From the moment he discovered The Beatles, Ozzy Osbourne was hooked on rock and roll. Their music gave him a feeling he would spend the rest of his life chasing. It wasn’t just about catchy songs. It was about that rush — that moment in a song that gives you chills.
When Osbourne became the frontman of Black Sabbath, he helped create a sound that changed music forever. Black Sabbath didn’t sound like The Beatles. They were darker, heavier, and louder. But the goal was the same: create unforgettable moments.
Think about the opening riff of Iron Man. Even if you don’t know every word of the song, you know that guitar line. The same goes for Symptom of the Universe from the album Sabotage. These songs may be long, but people remember the powerful parts. That’s one reason Sabbath became so successful. They knew how to grab your attention and never let go.
Later, when Osbourne started his solo career, he continued to create those big musical moments. Everyone knows the start of Crazy Train. The second he shouts “All aboard!”, you’re ready for the ride. It doesn’t matter which guitarist he worked with — from Randy Rhoads to others — Osbourne always surrounded himself with talented musicians who could bring songs to life.
But Ozzy understood something important: great songs are not just about riffs or vocals. They are also about rhythm. The drums give a song its heartbeat. Without the right beat, even the best guitar riff can fall flat.
That’s why Osbourne has always admired Phil Collins, especially for his work on In the Air Tonight. That song is famous for one of the greatest drum fills of all time. For most of the track, the music builds slowly. There’s tension. It feels like something big is coming. And then suddenly — boom — the drums explode.
Osbourne once said that every time he hears that drum fill, it gives him chills. He called it one of the best moments in any song ever made. That’s high praise coming from someone who helped shape heavy metal.
What makes that drum moment so powerful is the buildup. The song talks about anger and revenge, and the drums feel like the emotional release. It’s similar to how people react to the operatic section of Bohemian Rhapsody or the famous opening riff of Smoke on the Water. These are moments that stay with you forever.
Ozzy and Phil Collins may come from different musical worlds, but they understand the same thing: atmosphere matters. A song needs tension, emotion, and a powerful release. Collins created a whole mood with “In the Air Tonight.” Even though it’s not a heavy metal track, you can imagine how it might sound with roaring guitars and a darker edge.
At the end of the day, Ozzy Osbourne’s career — from Black Sabbath to his solo work — has always been about chasing that perfect musical moment. Whether it’s a crushing riff, a soaring vocal line, or a thunderous drum fill, those few unforgettable seconds are what make songs legendary.