Ozzy Osbourne's Musical Obsession: The Day He Met Peter Gabriel
When two music icons crossed paths, one of them found himself in awe of the other. Despite being known as the Prince Of Darkness and the Godfather Of Heavy Metal, Ozzy Osbourne had a diverse taste in music that extended beyond hard rock. In the 80s, Ozzy developed a deep admiration for the legendary prog artist Peter Gabriel and his iconic album "So." Ozzy's son Louis shared on a podcast that his father was obsessed with the album, often playing it repeatedly. Ozzy himself confirmed his love for "So" in his final book, praising the tracks and recalling how he would listen to it incessantly.
During a fortuitous encounter at a hotel in Manhattan, Ozzy ran into Peter Gabriel, the man behind his musical obsession. Overwhelmed by the chance meeting, Ozzy gushed about his admiration for Gabriel and the album. Despite his own status as a music legend, Ozzy couldn't contain his excitement at meeting Gabriel in person. The two musicians exchanged pleasantries, with Ozzy expressing his awe at the time and effort Gabriel had put into creating the album.
Released in 1986, "So" was a massive success, becoming Peter Gabriel's best-selling solo album. It topped the UK charts and reached number two on the US Billboard 200, achieving triple platinum status in the UK and five-times platinum in the US. The album featured several of Gabriel's signature hits and solidified his reputation as a musical powerhouse. Ozzy Osbourne's memoir "Last Rites" delves into his musical influences and encounters with fellow artists, offering a glimpse into his eclectic taste and deep appreciation for music.