I Am Ozzy: The classic autobiography from Ozzy Osbourne, the heavy metal music icon and frontman of Black Sabbath

Beyond doubt Ozzy Osbourne has made a unique name for himself and has become, on top of his musical successes, a household name due to his many TV appearances and shows. It’s a name most people will be familiar with, and whatever they think about him, will at least acknowledge that although sometimes controversial and outlandish, he’s nevertheless a colourful and interesting character well deserving of an autobiography of his own. And this is it: Ozzy’s own unique insights into his life, escapades and struggles with addiction. I think it’s a great book and definitely readable, shedding light on many of the episodes and events that have shaped his life on the road, in the media and at home. It’s all here: his early hardships and imprisonment, his time in a slaughterhouse, his rise through pioneering band Black Sabbath, his solo career, his craziness, the doves, the bat, the Alamo episode, Randy Rhoads, the plane crash, band member conflicts, Don Arden, the love for his wife Sharon, the night he nearly strangled her, her influence on his career, her cancer, his quad bike accident, his father’s death, his regrets, his joys, and his multitudinous addictions and struggles with them. The book is undeniably funny and at times quite touching, exposing his trials, tribulations and foibles as a human being and a personality at the forefront of a lifestyle known for its excesses. However, it also shows him as being a devoted (albeit sometimes struggling) family man. What I like is that Ozzy is quite philosophical about his life and acknowledges with candor where he has gone wrong. One thing I’m not too keen on is that I think he’s overemphasising the animal cruelty bits for dramatic effect (especially the chicken coop episode), although he later states there’s no excuse for such actions. I would have preferred the book to have more insights into the creative processes of his music and the people he’s worked with rather than being predominately centred upon his addictions and wild escapades, but it’s his autobiography expressed the way he’s wanted it. In other words, it’s uniquely Ozzy. It’s also an all round entertaining read with little to detract from it. As a representative of who he is it does an admirable job. Whatever views one might have of Ozzy, he’s not in the least pretentious, ready to admit his mistakes and appreciates what fame and fortune have brought him. There’s over 400 printed pages (although I’m reviewing from the Kindle edition) but at no time does the book drag, and there’s plenty to hold interest, As far as autobiographies go, it’s a lot more interesting and entertaining than perhaps some other celebrity autobiographies / biographies I’ve read. All in all, it’s difficult not to like Ozzy. He’s all about entertainment and that’s what he’s done: he’s superbly entertained nations for decades, and for that we have to give him thanks and credit for. Do I recommend the book? Yes, absolutely. Please note that it may not be suitable for younger readers.

Good informative book funny at parts, enjoyed it

This is a superb autobiography. If ever a famous person's life warranted writing about, it is Ozzy. The man's life story makes many other "celeb" autobiographies look like exactly what they are - money grabbing, mass appeal, desperate publicity stunts. This is different; but it's difficult to explain why. You might think "Ozzy Osbourne, spent his whole life doing drink and drugs and went on a reality TV show, so what", but there are some fascinating stories in this book. Many are very funny, but not self-indulgently funny. It's not a "look at me and what a brilliant life I've had" book. Quite the opposite in many respects; a lot of the stories Ozzy is quick to point out his embarrassment and regret at them. The beginning is a great hook, I found myself reading pages and pages of it in one sitting simply because every story, one after the other, is so enjoyable to read. Sure, it doesn't keep at the same ultra-high level all the way through the book, but for a lengthy book (nice thickness, small typeface) it does a damn good job of keeping you interested till the end. It becomes obvious from the start that the book is penned by a ghost writer. Which is perfectly understandable, Ozzy wouldn't be capable of writing his recollections well enough, but nevertheless the stories are written as if coming from Ozzy's mouth (credit to the ghost writer for maintaining this and yet making the stories so easy to follow). I suppose my one gripe, however, is the slightly melodramatic style some of it is displayed. By that I mean, the writer separates supposedly dramatic lines in some of the stories into their own paragraphs, as if making them stand out. It can read like a cheesy cinema trailer at times. I don't like it, I think the book is interesting enough without having some writer try and patronise you by portraying some lines with such false dramatic effect. But it's not going to put you off. There are so many wild tales, like being raided by police and snorting a heap of coke because they couldn't flush it all away. And using curtains to wipe his backside because there was no toilet paper in a new property he and Sharon were viewing. There are also sadder, more "common folk" tales; he tells us about his relationship with his parents, not talking to his mother for years, and then her dying before he could make amends. I knew very little about Ozzy prior to reading, I don't even particularly like his music. But it's a fascinating, funny and at times tragic account of a very troubled man's life. Whether you are a fan of his music or not, it's well worth reading.

Brilliant. Nothing more to add

Absolutely hilarious and a great read. Seeing the other side of the legend as a real human and kind, caring man. But mad as a box of frogs 🥰

Very interesting to read Worth buying this book

Brilliant book, I read the whole book in Ozzy's voice in my head. How he lived as long as he did is a medical mystery, bless him! Great read

Brilliant and funny

Good read

Livro legal para conhecer sobre a vida do Izzy até o momento em que o livro foi escrito. O jeito em que está escrito parece que ele está contando uma história a você com as gírias do jeito que ele mesmo fala.

Energetic and fun. Takes you for a ride in a crazy train..

As I finish reading, coudn't help myself to remember a phrase from Dee Snider's Twisted Memoir: "...there isn't enough middle finger in rock n' roll these days...". Ozzy's whole life is a unmistakable middle finger. Shown to music business, society, and art itself. Against all the odds, he made it. Thankfully, this book is not an ego trip rolled in political correctness. Through the dramas and excesses honestly portrayed, a sense of (good) humor prevails. I value both, very much. Ozzy is an icon, can't go around that fact. As Heavy Metal was brewed, he was one of the wizzards stirring the cauldron. Loved the book, a very pleasant reading. Uncle Ozzy, with and without Black Sabbath, will forever be in our hearts.

I got the discs to learn abit more about Ozzy, despite never really listening to his music. He has lead a very very interesting life. Despite all of the serious and heavy occurances, he manages to make them a laugh a minute. The guy that read for the recording also did a very good job... makes you feel like Ozzy is really telling you all of this... except maybe just a bit easier to understand ^_^. That said, the brit-isms are kept to a fair minimum, so it was easy to understand even for my american ears. Highly reccomended