There are so many iconic things that Ozzy Osbourne has done in his career,including participating in some major collaborations. Much like thebiggest pop collaborationsthat have become revered, Osbourne has done his fair share, which deserves attention. Some of these works have become iconic pieces of the metal genre.
This is only fitting as he and his band Black Sabbath were among the biggest pioneers of the genre, alongside thegreatest metal acts of the 1970s. Thanks to his contributions then and his continued efforts,this particular music has grown immensely. In fact, it has seen acts like Metallica become some of thebiggest touring musicians of this century.
However, it’s not just metal that Osbourne contributes to. In his collaborations, he has worked with artists from other genres, including hip-hop. This has shown his range as a performer and helped to provide a spotlight for other musicians outside the ones closest to him.It’s incredibly impressive everything that Osbourne has lent his voiceto over the years.
Album: The Sinister Urge (2001)
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In all of Metal, two of the most unique vocalists are Ozzy Osbourne and Rob Zombie. One thing they have in common is thatthey both know what it is like to leave a successful band and start a solo career. By 2001, Osbourne was well into his work, but Zombie was only on his second solo album.
Osbourne’s appearance is just enough,adding a perfect layer to the track.
In an effort to help boost what he was doing, Zombie would bring in Osbourne to assist him with the song “Iron Head.” The tune is intense but fits well with the horror theme. Osbourne’s appearance is just enough,adding a perfect layer to the track. Although some songs overshadow it,this is a hidden gem from this album.
9Coal Chamber - Shock the Monkey Ft. Ozzy Osbourne
Album: Chamber Music (1999)
As nu metal was coming into popularity, many bands attempted to perfect the sound. One of the earliest was Coal Chamber, after forming in 1992. Although they did not find the exact success they were hoping for, they had a standout performancethat became something they were well-known for during their initial run, which lasted until 2003.
This was when they brought in Ozzy Osbourne to contribute to their cover of Peter Gabriel’s hit song, “Shock the Monkey.” It became a success for them and caught on quickly, asOsbourne’s attempt at another legend’s song was something people clamored for. Thanks to Coal Chamber’s idea, Osbourne had another iconic moment that might not have happened otherwise.
8Busta Rhymes - This Means War!! Ft. Ozzy Osbourne
Album: Extinction Level Event: The Final World Front (1998)
One time that Ozzy Osbourne stepped out of his element to assist an artist in another genre was in 1998. This is where hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes performed the song “This Means War!!,” featuring Osbourne. Although this isn’t the collaboration many thought they would see,that’s precisely what made it so intriguing.
One interesting aspect of the song is its sampling of the Black Sabbath hit “Iron Man.” This tune does well in mixing hip-hop and metal, showcasing key elements of both. While many were unsure of what this track would sound like, it was a pleasant surprise that it was a full collaboration,marking the meeting of two musical geniuses.
7Ringo Starr - Vertical Man Ft. Ozzy Osbourne
Album: Vertical Man (1998)
One of the closest things to the Beatles collaborating with Black Sabbath occurred in 1998 when Ringo Starr brought in Ozzy Osbourne to do backing vocals for the song “Vertical Man.“This was the combination of two English music legends, making it historic. Although it didn’t receive much recognition, it’s a piece of music history that should be remembered.
Truly, it would have been amazing to see even more from this collaboration. It’s hard not to dream of having more collaborative work from two individuals who helped push forward the music industry. Nonetheless, if this is as good as it gets, then it’s worth celebrating becausefinding two icons together like this doesn’t happen often.
6Post Malone - Take What You Want Ft. Ozzy Osbourne, Travis Scott
Album: Hollywood’s Bleeding (2019)
Years after collaborating with the legendary Busta Rhymes, Ozzy Osbourne found himself in the hip-hop world again. This time, he was working withtwo of the biggest artists currently in music: Post Malone and Travis Scott. This collaboration took place on Malone’s record,Hollywood’s Bleeding, for the track “Take What You Want.”
Each artist had a chance to shine, but in particular, Malone made sure to give proper respect to Osbourne.
On this song, each artist had a chance to shine, but in particular, Malone made sure to give proper respect to Osbourne. Not only does he lend his iconic vocals, but there is an epic guitar solo that helps represent the world from which Osbourne comes. Ultimately, the tune is a great blend of genres,providing a well-thought-out mix.
Album: Slash (2010)
There are many projects that Slash has been involved with, including being the guitarist for the Hall of Fame band Guns N' Roses. In 2010, he released a project he had never attempted before:his debut solo album. Of course, being the iconic figure he is, he made sure to bring in the biggest names in the industry to assist.
One of the voices on the album was Ozzy Osbourne, who helped with the creation of the second track, “Crucify the Dead.” The song’s lyrics tell the story of a tumultuous relationship, which were interpreted in many ways by critics. This song was not released as a single, but it holds the distinct honor of beinga key piece at the start of this historic album.
4Gary Moore - Led Clones Ft. Ozzy Osbourne
Album: After The War (1989)
Years before the two would collaborate, Gary Moore and Ozzy Osbourne developed a relationship based on professional admiration. While some of the plans they originally considered never materialized,they did work together on Moore’s seventh studio album,After the War, on the song “Led Clones.”
The lyrics are somewhat tongue-in-cheek, seemingly calling out other musicians. The sound of the song was intended to resemble that of Led Zeppelin. Both artists feltthey achieved what they set out to do. Osbourne said it was an honor to work with Moore, and it was special to see the combination of two legends of their craft.
3Lita Ford - Close My Eyes Forever Ft. Ozzy Osbourne
Album: Lita (1988)
In the 1970s, both Ozzy Osbourne and Lita Ford were in successful bands, but when the ’80s came around, each was pursuing solo careers. By 1988, Ford was already on her third solo album and sought to make it as impactful as possible. One of the ways this was achieved wasby bringing in Osbourne to sing a powerful duet.
The tune was “Close My Eyes Forever,” and it served as the album’s closing track. To help it receive the proper attention, it was released as a remix single. It became a hit,ranking as high as number eight on theBillboardHot 100. This became one of the highest-charting singles for both artists in their entire careers.
2Ozzy Osbourne - One Of Those Days Ft. Eric Clapton
Album: Patient Number 9 (2022)
Ozzy Osbourne’s 13th studio album,Patient Number 9, has proven to be one of the greatest releases of his career. The Grammy Award-winning record is filled with hit songs, including “One of Those Days,” which features the legendary Eric Clapton. On this track,Clapton demonstrates why he is considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
It was released as a single, providing excellent promotion for the record.
Throughout it, the guitar playing he provides is exceptional. It brings the lyrics to life and adds a special aura to the tune. Given how great the track is, it was released as a single, providing excellent promotion for the record. It’s a shame these two legends haven’t collaborated more, butthis time that they did will always be celebrated.
1Ozzy Osbourne & Lemmy Kilmister - Hellraiser
Album: No More Tears (1991) & March ör Die (1992)
In the metal genre, it is hard to find a bigger collaboration than when Ozzy Osbourne and Lemmy Kilmister from Motörhead worked together. The two would create the song “Hellraiser,“an almost five-minute track of pure heavy metal. This tune was such a triumph that both artists would put it on their respective albums, giving it a ton of shine.
Over the years, the tune has remained revered. In 2021, the 30th anniversary of the song was celebrated with the release of a mash-up that featured an animated music video. This was not only a great way to honor the song, but alsothe memory of Lemmy. It would be no surprise to see this tune remembered many times over.