Ozzy Osbourne helped invent heavy metal music, was a huge hit on reality television and a friend of L.A.’s Very Own KTLA 5.
The Prince of Darkness was always game to have fun with the station.
In 2004, during the heyday of his family’s MTV reality series “The Osbournes,” the family invited our dear Sam Rubin into their home and revealed just what he watches on television himself.
“You know documentaries, History Channel. I’m not watching these stupid reality shows,” Ozzy cheekily said, which prompted him, Sam and Sharon Osbourne to erupt into laughter.
A year earlier, Sam had spoken to the family at length about their reality show, specifically highlighting both Ozzy and Sharon’s parenting styles and bringing the public into their private lives.
“The TV is the window to the world,” the rocker said. “Three days ago, I was grocery shopping in California, and this woman goes to me, ‘My husband and I watch your show. How’s your wife? Is she getting well? We think you’re the best father in America.’ Me! I’m a f–king fruit loop, I’m nuts. I’m not the Father of the Month. I’m just trying to survive another day.”
In 2017, KTLA’s Doug Kolk shared a limo with the couple and also received a complete metalhead makeover. Both Sharon and Ozzy picked up Doug and gave him a first-class tutorial on how to apply eyeliner.
“Seven years ago, Ozzy was promoting the return of Ozz Fest. Ozzy and Sharon wanted only one journalist to cover it, and I still pinch myself that they somehow chose me! I spent the day with the Osbournes at their house. I rode to the show with them as they did my hair and makeup, preparing me for an Ozzy concert,” Doug said in a post on Instagram. “Our goal was to capture the fun along with the backstage, pre-festivities leading up to the show.”
However, things took a turn.
“What they didn’t know was I mistakenly had the keys to our KTLA truck in my pocket, so none of our camera crews were able to make it to the venue. We missed the money shot where Ozzy stood on the roof and shot Ozz Bucks out of a cannon. We missed him interacting with fans. We missed everything they entrusted me and only me to get.”
Doug said he was “mortified,” but Rock and Roll Hall of Famer proved he had a soft heart.
“When Ozzy found out that it was all my fault, he responded by laughing, going into his merch booth, and grabbing me a $100 Ozzy zip hoodie,” the post continued. “He was one of a kind. Rest in peace Prince.”
Osbourne’s family announced his passing on Tuesday morning. He was 76 years old.