A simple note seeking a gig, left in a Birmingham music shop, improbably launched one of heavy metal's most iconic bands: Black Sabbath. Bassist Geezer Butler, in a recent interview, recounted the story of how a chance encounter with Ozzy Osbourne's message, "Ozzy Zig needs a gig," led to the band's formation.

Butler, actively searching for a vocalist after his previous band, Rare Breed, disbanded, stumbled upon Osbourne's plea. He contacted Osbourne, and the next day, a distinctive figure appeared at his doorstep – a shaven-headed Osbourne, sans shoes, with a chimney brush slung over his shoulder. Although bandmates Bill Ward and Tony Iommi had previously dismissed Osbourne's musical abilities, recalling him from high school, Butler saw potential.

Osbourne, assuring Butler he'd grow his hair back and boasting of owning a much-needed PA system, also suggested Ward and Iommi. The quartet started performing blues music wherever they could secure a performance. Soon, they began crafting their own original material, and within a year, in 1969, Black Sabbath was born.

Their journey began under the moniker Polka Tulk Blues Band, then briefly as Earth, before finally adopting the name Black Sabbath, inspired by a 1963 Boris Karloff film.

Despite achieving significant success, Osbourne's substance abuse issues led to his dismissal from the band a decade later. He subsequently launched a highly successful solo career. In a 2020 GQ interview, Osbourne reflected on the band's early days and their consistently negative reviews, noting their punk-like appeal: the more they were criticized, the more their fan base grew. He praised guitarist Tony Iommi's unique talent for creating "demonic riffs," emphasizing the band's experimental and fun-loving approach to music.

Osbourne, in his 2010 autobiography, expressed feelings of betrayal over his dismissal, calling it hypocritical given his bandmates' similar struggles with substance abuse. However, more recent reflections suggest a reconciliation, with Osbourne referring to his bandmates as "brothers" and emphasizing their long-standing bond.

After canceling his 2023 tour due to health issues, Osbourne is scheduled to headline his first show this fall, marking a significant return to the stage.