This Is How Iowa And Ozzy Osbourne Are Forever Connected

There are so many legendary stories about Ozzy Osbourne.  While Ozzy left us on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76, those stories will live forever.

One of the most infamous stories took place in Iowa that will forever tie the state to the Godfather of Metal.

Ozzy Osbourne - 1948 - 2025

Just weeks after Ozzy's final performance at "Back to the Beginning," Ozzy died at age 76.

His family released a statement saying, "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning.  He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis."

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While the rock world mourns the passing of the best to ever do it, we also celebrate all that he did.  And he did so much.

From Black Sabbath, to his solo career, to all the collaborations, Ozzy's voice can be heard on a whopping 742 songs!

It was also more than just singing and yelling "Sharon" on TV.  Ozzy lived the life of a rock star.

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His first tattoo was done by himself.  He used a sewing needle and pencil lead to spell "OZZY" on his knuckles.

Yes, he also peed on the Alamo.  The stories can go on forever, but one moment will always tie him to Iowa.

Ozzy And The Bat In Iowa

It was in 1982 on the Diary of a Madman tour that Ozzy was playing in Des Moines, Iowa.

A fan named Mark Neal found the bat outside a Des Moines elementary school.  Mark kept the bat in a freezer until the day of the concert.  (Side note:  Mark won tickets to the show from his local radio station...that's right, radio made this infamous moment happen and we'll keep giving you tickets and supporting live music!)

The night of the concert, Mark put the bat into his pocket (security wasn't as tight back in 1982) and got close enough to the stage to toss the bat on stage.

As Ozzy says, he thought the bat was a rubber toy.  So he grabbed it, bit off its head, and instantly realized it wasn't a toy.

In interviews, he said it tasted salty...and like something he can't say on TV.

After the bat incident, Ozzy was rushed to the hospital for rabies and tetanus shots.  And 43 years later, we all still remember Ozzy and his forever connection with Iowa.

RIP to the Prince of Darkness.