Ozzy Osbourne is one of the most important names in rock and heavy metal history. In 1968, he helped form Black Sabbath in Birmingham, England, along with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. When the band released their first album in 1970, it changed music forever. Many fans and critics believe that album marked the birth of heavy metal. From that moment on, rock music became darker, heavier, and more intense.
A few years later, on the other side of the world, two brothers named Angus and Malcolm Young formed AC/DC in Australia. Their sound was different from Black Sabbath, but just as powerful. AC/DC focused on loud guitars, simple but strong riffs, and pure rock and roll energy. Over time, they became one of the most influential hard rock bands of all time.
Even though Ozzy Osbourne was already a huge star, he was also a fan of other great bands. One of those bands was AC/DC.
Ozzy and AC/DC’s Early Connection
In the 1970s, AC/DC actually opened for Black Sabbath during a tour. Although that tour ended early for AC/DC due to a disagreement between band members, there was never any real hatred between the bands. Ozzy has always spoken respectfully about AC/DC and their music.
As the years went on, Ozzy continued to praise the band and their dedication to rock and roll. He admired their energy, their honesty, and the fact that they stayed true to their sound.
Ozzy’s Favorite AC/DC Album
In 2017, Ozzy Osbourne shared a list of his favorite metal albums of all time. One album that stood out on that list was AC/DC’s 1979 album Highway to Hell. Ozzy said this album meant a lot to him and that he listened to it constantly.
He explained that while he respects Brian Johnson, he personally preferred Bon Scott, AC/DC’s original singer. Ozzy once said that Highway to Hell felt like an addiction to him. That statement shows just how deeply the album affected him.
Why Highway to Hell Is So Special
Highway to Hell is an important album in rock history. It was the final AC/DC album recorded with Bon Scott before his tragic death in 1980 at just 33 years old. The album captured the band at their peak during that era.
Some of the most famous songs on the album include:
“Highway to Hell”
“Touch Too Much”
“Shot Down in Flames”
“If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)”
“Night Prowler”
These songs are loud, confident, and full of attitude. They represent everything AC/DC stood for at the time. It’s easy to understand why Ozzy connected with the album, especially since both Black Sabbath and AC/DC helped shape hard rock and metal in their own ways.
After Bon Scott’s passing, AC/DC brought in Brian Johnson and went on to reach even greater success with albums like Back in Black. Still, for Ozzy, the Bon Scott era — especially Highway to Hell — remained his favorite.
Ozzy on Angus Young
Ozzy has also spoken highly of AC/DC’s guitarist Angus Young. In 2011, Ozzy recorded a video message praising the band during the release of AC/DC: Live at River Plate. He described Angus as “a machine” because of his nonstop energy on stage.
Ozzy recalled seeing AC/DC perform live and being amazed by how much power and movement they brought to every show. Even decades later, Angus Young continued to perform with the same intensity, something Ozzy deeply respected.
A Legend Respecting Legends
Ozzy Osbourne’s love for AC/DC shows that even the biggest rock stars are fans too. His admiration for Highway to Hell, Bon Scott, and Angus Young highlights the strong bond between rock musicians who helped shape the genre.