Ozzy Osbourne announces ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ 40th anniversary expanded edition

Package available Sept 18th

Ozzy Osbourne kicked off 2020 with his critically acclaimed No. 1 rock album Ordinary Man – his first new solo album in ten years – and a planned return to the road. And then came the pandemic.rNow, fans of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy-winning singer and songwriter can enjoy a variety of projects celebrating his legacy this fall. First up was the September 7th premiere of A&E Network’s Biography: The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne. He’ll also wrap the year by releasing the 40th anniversary expanded digital edition of his landmark debut album Blizzard of Ozz and digital versions of two classic longform videos, Live & Loud and Live at Budokan.

Initially released on September 20, 1980 in the UK, Blizzard of Ozz marked Osbourne’s solo debut studio album, following his departure from Black Sabbath; the expanded digital 40th anniversary edition is set for release September 18th on Sony/Legacy. The new package includes Osbourne hits: “Crazy Train,” which will hit certified 5x platinum status to coincide with its September release date; the gold-certified “Mr. Crowley” (both of which feature Randy Rhoads on guitar); along with “Suicide Solution,” plus live versions of seven tracks that are currently unavailable digitally. The record was ultimately certified 5x platinum and was ranked No. 9 on Rolling Stone’s list of “100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time” in the U.S.; platinum (or multi-platinum) in another 12 countries and gold in an additional 13 countries. The album was the first of two studio albums recorded with guitarist Randy Rhoads. The album’s “Crazy Train” went on to become one of Osbourne’s signature tracks; the song has also become one of the most played sports anthems frequently heard at NFL, NBA, MLB & NHL games. It peaked at No. 9 on Billboard’s Top Tracks chart upon release – and in 2009, the song achieved a 5x platinum certification. The live tracks – “I Don’t Know,” “Crazy Train,” “Mr. Crowley,” “Revelation (Mother Earth),” “Steal Away (The Night)” and “Suicide Solution” – were recorded on the Blizzard of Ozz Tour and were previously found only in the Blizzard of Ozz/Diary of a Madman 30th Anniversary Deluxe Box Set. “You Said It All” (Live) was originally found on the 1980 Mr. Crowley live EP, recorded in 1980 at the Gaumont Theater, Southampton, UK and was also not previously available digitally.

Next up are two digital releases of two classic Osbourne video releases: Live & Loud and Live at Budokan. The Live & Loud home video – originally released on June 28, 1993 – was issued alongside the CD. The collection is a compilation of live footage from several shows rather than a single concert. The Live & Loud DVD includes guest appearances from Black Sabbath bandmates Geezer Butler on bass, Bill Ward on drums and Tony Iommi on guitar, along with his own band from that era featuring Michael Inez on bass; Randy Castillo on drums; Zakk Wylde on guitar; and Kevin Jones on keys. The Live at Budokan DVD – released June 25, 2002 – was shot earlier that year as part of the 2002 world tour. It features the song “Suicide Solution” and Zakk Wylde’s accompanying guitar solo. Running in excess of 13 minutes, this track was cut from the CD version because of time restraints. Osbourne is backed by his 2002 touring band including Zakk Wylde on guitars; Robert Trujillo on bass; Mike Bordin on drums; and John Sinclair on keys.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, A&E Network debuted Biography: The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne which delves into the many lives and incredible career of the man who has personified rock and roll rebellion for decades. The doc traces the Prince of Darkness’ life from his childhood in poverty and time in prison, to fronting the iconic Black Sabbath and a successful solo career, to one of rock’s elder statesman and a lovable 21st century television dad. The two hour documentary explores how Osbourne has continually reinvented himself and his career to propel himself toward greater success. As the Grammy-winning artist turns 70, he reflects on the intimate details of his successes, failures, and his unique ability for survival and perseverance–including never-before-seen interviews about his recent Parkinson’s diagnosis. The documentary, a selection of the 2020 SXSW Film Festival, also features interviews with Sharon, Kelly and Jack Osbourne as well as friends and fellow musicians including Rick Rubin, Ice-T, Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, Jonathan Davis, Post Malone and more.

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn

Buddy Iahn founded The Music Universe when he decided to juxtapose his love of web design and music. As a lifelong drummer, he decided to take a hiatus from playing music to report it. The website began as a fun project in 2013 to one of the top independent news sites. Email: info@themusicuniverse.com