How Ozzy Osbourne’s Solo Career Launched These Iconic Guitar Heroes

Ozzy Osbourne had an astonishing career. And it’s a career that most would have guessed was over following his departure from Black Sabbath in 1979. But somehow, he overcame an epic addiction, and the Prince of Darkness—miraculously—not only survived life after Black Sabbath, but he went on to redefine heavy metal. In the process, Osbourne launched the careers of the iconic guitar heroes below.

Randy Rhoads

When Osbourne hired a young virtuoso named Randy Rhoads to be his new guitar player, the singer likely didn’t envision how the pair would change rock history. Rhoads created a new style by blending the glam rock of Mick Ronson with the gymnastic shredding of Eddie Van Halen, interspersed with classical scales. He became a touchstone for neoclassical shredders in the 1980s, and songs like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley” remain heavy metal standards. However, after releasing two groundbreaking studio albums with Osbourne, Rhoads died in a plane crash. He was only 25, but he remains one of the most influential guitarists in history.

Jake E. Lee

Osbourne’s career is defined by survival. First, leaving Black Sabbath, and here, the tragic death of Randy Rhoads—one of the world’s most beloved guitar heroes. Jake E. Lee arrived, and though he had giant shoes to fill, he helped guide Osbourne through his post-Rhoads chapter. Lee’s greatest work is “Bark At The Moon”, the title track to Osbourne’s third solo album. But the guitarist’s time in the band was short-lived, and after two studio LPs, he was fired. Lee is often overlooked as a link between Randy Rhoads and Zakk Wylde. But his contributions were crucial to Osbourne’s continued rise as a solo artist.

Zakk Wylde

The first album to feature Zakk Wylde is called No Rest For The Wicked. And on the opening track, “Miracle Man”, Wylde burns the kind of riff that left most guitarists’ jaws on the floor. Sure, there were echoes of Randy Rhoads and Tony Iommi, but this was different. Wylde quickly established his own sound with screaming harmonics, shredding blues, Southern rock, and occasionally, country music. Then came No More Tears, which was a colossal album. The title track is such a banger that it makes Wylde’s last name feel tame by comparison. He’s the ideal bookend to Osbourne’s most consequential post-Black Sabbath guitarists.

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