Ozzy Osbourne — Diary of a Madman

Author: tracysigler | Posted: June 20th, 2007 | | Tags: , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Ozzy Osbourne -- Diary of a Madman

  • Artist: Ozzy Osbourne
  • Title: Diary of a Madman
  • Year: 1981
  • Format: Vinyl 12 in.
  • Rating (1-10): 6
  • Owner: Tracy and Bob
  • Acquired: 2005 – Inherited from Bob Bobala when he moved to California
  • Keeper: Yes

Usually, I only post a concert ticket stub if it’s from a tour that supported the album I’m discussing. That’s not the case here, but there are some connections to my Ozzfest 2001 ticket stub and this copy of Ozzy Osbourne’s Diary of a Madman. Both were given to me by my friend Bob Bobala.

Bob scored some killer tickets for the show at Nissan Pavilion. They were really close to the stage, in the shade, and not cheap. I bought Bob a shirt at the show, a lot cheaper. It was a long day of metal chaos and social observing. Black Sabbath with all the original members was, of course, the highlight; they blew everyone else away. By the end of the show we were getting pelted with ketchup packs and drink bottles by the jealous riffraff sitting on the grass, but it was worth it to see Sabbath up close.

Then, when Bob moved away he gave me quite a few records. This was one of them. I’ve always been a big fan of Sabbath but I never really followed Osbourne’s solo work. I have to admit I was kind of disappointed with the album as a whole. The big hit “Flying High Again” is excellent, but there is little else that comes close.

This was the last album Randy Rhoads recorded before he died. There’s also some interesting controversy about the credits for bass and drums. Sarzo and Aldridge pictured on the liner below didn’t play on the record.

I’m still a little surprised Bob didn’t keep this record when he moved. I’m going to take good care of it for him.