Posted by In an issue that pays respect to the shock waves produced by uncompromising artists whose life and work is played out to a chain reaction of after effects, our sixth and final cover star exemplifies the most outrageous element of one’s career making a resounding impact.
Ozzy Osbourne has relished shocking the general public all of his life. From fronting Black Sabbath, whose inexorably sinister sound was accompanied by lyrics and visuals that heavily referenced Satanism and the occult, to a hellraising solo career that launched a myriad of decadent myths and legends (some true!), heavy metal’s godfather-in-black has long reveled in provocation.
Today, though, we find the 70-year-old in decidedly mellower spirits. Invited into his Hollywood home, Clash caught up with the Prince of Darkness to discuss his last ever UK dates and his return to the fray after the horrific injuries that curtailed his momentum earlier this year following a fall, which led to an extended recovery period filled with fear and frustration.
“I was lying down and I couldn’t move for weeks,” he laments to Clash. “I just got up, lay on the couch, and did what they told me to do. And then one day, I said to Sharon: ‘You know what? Fuck this. I’ve got to do something. I’ve got to start doing some music of some sort.’ Because when you’re lying down and you can’t move, my head starts telling me I’m never gonna do it again and all that shit. So I got up and I opened my mind, and I wrote some songs and recorded a few songs, and I learned that a lot of people are very supportive for me.”
Also featured in this issue is Vince Staples, Miguel, Summer Walker, Rex Orange County, FKA twigs, Sam Fender, Kindness, Ray BLK, Not3s, Stereophonics, J Rick, Take A Daytrip, Aitch, Jax Jones, and many more.
Clash 113 is available to buy online now ahead of its release next week – get the magazine HERE.
Clash 113 with Ozzy Osbourne
Interview: Simon Harper
Photography: Elliott Morgan
Creative Direction: Rob Meyers