Legendary rock musician Ozzy Osbourne died this week at the age of 76 from complications of Parkinson’s disease. Known for his often dark and drug driven personality, Ozzy had a music career that spanned well over 50 years, between his rock band Black Sabbath and his solo career. Ozzy experienced a lot of backlash throughout his life, including some that nearly canceled a concert in the Sunshine State.
Ozzy Tours the States
In the winter of 1983, during his Speak of the Devil world tour, Ozzy Osbourne faced mounting controversy over his public image. After his infamous bat‑biting incident in Des Moines the previous year and ongoing allegations of occult affiliation, the singer had become a focal point of several activist groups who wanted his shows canceled.
Ozzy was set to perform on February 24, 1983 at the Lee County Civic Center in Fort Myers. Previous shows, including one in Pennsylvania, made national headlines after being canceled due to Ozzy’s “Satanic” concert themes. Ozzy was set to perform at three different venues in Florida, but members of the community argued if the show in Lee County should be allowed to proceed.
Before an emotional crowd, Lee County Commissioners voted 3-2 the day before to allow Osbourne to perform, citing canceling the show would be in violation of the First Amendment. Commissioners were also threatened by several parties with a lawsuit should the show be inhibited in any way.
The concert itself went off without any issues, and certainly helped Ozzy’s tour get back on the right track. Ozzy’s concert the following night in Pembroke Pines (outside of Miami) was also performed, although several tour dates were canceled later.
Ozzy’s 1983 tour illustrated the growing tension between metal music and local communities around the country. Ozzy returned to Florida several times in later years for concerts, even .creating his own festival that he often headlined, Ozzfest.
