John Dolmayan Reflects on Ozzy Osbourne’s Legacy
Tragic News at Comic-Con
During a recent episode of the “Beardo & Weirdo” podcast, SYSTEM OF A DOWN drummer John Dolmayan shared his heartfelt reaction to the passing of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne. Dolmayan revealed that he learned about Ozzy’s death while preparing for Comic-Con in San Diego. “I was probably setting up for Comic-Con and the condolence texts started to come in to me,” he recounted. Initially confused, he turned to social media and was met with a flood of tributes honoring the BLACK SABBATH frontman.
Initial Reactions to the News
At first, Dolmayan hoped the news might be false, thinking it was too soon after Ozzy’s last performance. “You always think, like, ‘Okay, maybe it’s false’,” he stated. However, the confirmation came from his manager, solidifying the tragic news.
Reflecting on Ozzy’s Impact
Dolmayan took a moment to reflect on his relationship with Ozzy. He acknowledged the singer’s health struggles in recent years but emphasized the importance of celebrating the memories left behind. “I try to reflect more on the amazing times that I had with somebody, ’cause they’re gone,” he explained. He expressed gratitude for having known Ozzy and recognized the profound influence he had on countless musicians, including members of SYSTEM OF A DOWN.
A Personal Connection
Dolmayan noted that fellow band member Daron Malakian was particularly affected by Ozzy’s passing, highlighting the emotional weight of the loss for those close to the rock icon. “Daron… was really grief-stricken by it and cried many times,” he shared. Dolmayan’s pragmatic view on mortality allowed him to focus on the positive memories while acknowledging the inevitable reality of loss.
Reaching Out to Family
In the wake of Ozzy’s death, Dolmayan reached out to Jack Osbourne, Ozzy’s son, whom he considers a brother figure. “I sent him a private message of condolences. And he responded right away,” he recalled, underscoring the bond that exists beyond the public eye.
Understanding the Grief
Dolmayan compassionately recognized the private sorrow experienced by Ozzy’s family. “These people lost their father, and Sharon lost her husband… they are the ones that are going to have to grieve,” he said, emphasizing the need for support and understanding from fans during such a difficult time.
First Encounter with Ozzy’s Music
Reflecting on his early experiences with music, Dolmayan reminisced about the first time he heard Ozzy’s solo work. “I think I actually heard [a solo album from] Ozzy before I heard SABBATH,” he remarked, recalling the live album “Tribute” featuring late guitarist Randy Rhoads. This pivotal moment occurred before Dolmayan began playing drums, illustrating how influential Ozzy’s music was even before his own musical journey began.
Ozzy’s Final Days
Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22 due to a heart attack, with his death certificate revealing underlying health issues such as coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease. Just a month prior, he had reunited with the original BLACK SABBATH lineup for a charity concert, marking his final performance in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Conclusion
John Dolmayan’s reflections on Ozzy Osbourne reveal not only the deep impact Ozzy had on the music world but also on the personal lives of those who knew him. As the rock community mourns the loss of a legend, it is essential to honor his legacy through the music that has touched the lives of countless fans and musicians alike.
FAQs
What was John Dolmayan’s reaction to Ozzy Osbourne’s death?
John Dolmayan expressed sadness and reflected on the influence Ozzy had on his life and career, emphasizing the importance of cherishing memories.
How did Dolmayan find out about Ozzy’s passing?
Dolmayan learned about Ozzy’s death while setting up for Comic-Con when he started receiving condolence texts and later confirmed the news on social media.
What is Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy in music?
Ozzy Osbourne is recognized as a pioneer of heavy metal music and has influenced countless artists with his work both as a solo artist and as the frontman of BLACK SABBATH.
