Ozzy Osbourne’s absence triggers riot at concert
On the evening of July 18, 1988, a throng of enthusiastic heavy metal fans gathered at Rock City in Nottingham, eager to witness the legendary Ozzy Osbourne’s performance. By this time, Osbourn had established himself as a solo artist following his departure from Black Sabbath nearly a decade ago. The anticipation in the air was palpable as the crowd awaited the arrival of the Prince of Darkness. However, the night took an unexpected turn when Osbourne, known for his wild lifestyle, fell ill and was unable to perform.
Ian Corcoran, who was present at the infamous concert, recounted the events of that fateful night, calling it the “Ozzy Osbourne riot” – a legend for all the wrong reasons. Recalling the atmosphere at Rock City, Corcoran described the packed venue buzzing with excitement before the show. As the dry ice billowed and excitement mounted, anxiety began to spread among the fans as they waited for Osbourne to take the stage. When word came that the singer was unwell and would not be able to perform, some fans initially believed it was part of the act, only to realize the disappointing truth when the lights came on.
Despite the chaos that ensued after the announcement, Corcoran remembered other occasions where he had the chance to see Osbourne live in action. He fondly recalled attending his performances at the Donington Monsters of Rock festival in 1984 and 1986, praising Osbourne’s captivating stage presence.
In a surprising turn of events, Osbourne returned to Rock City in 1995 for a secret show. George Akins, the managing director of DHP Family, which owns the venue, shared details of the event. Osbourne’s agent had arranged the gig as an audition for a new guitarist. The unsuspecting crowd, expecting a conventional rock night, was taken by surprise when Osbourne appeared on stage and delivered a full set. Although the guitarist did not secure the position, Osbourne’s outstanding performance left a lasting impression on the audience.
One notable aspect of Osbourne’s 1995 performance was his sobriety and dedication to perfecting his craft. Akins mentioned that Osbourne had abstained from alcohol, opting instead to engage in physical activities like running and weightlifting to prepare for the show. Despite initial skepticism from the local press regarding the authenticity of the event, Akins emphasized the positive impact of Osbourne’s visit on Rock City’s reputation and his personal relationship with the rock icon.
Reflecting on his experiences working with Osbourne and his team, Akins expressed sadness over the singer’s recent passing, acknowledging Osbourne’s immense influence on the metal and rock music scene. Despite Osbourne’s sometimes turbulent career marked by controversies, his legacy as a music icon remains undeniably strong. Akins concluded by paying tribute to Osbourne, highlighting the memorable moments shared with the rock legend and expressing his belief that Osbourne’s spirit continues to stir emotions wherever he may be.