Rock icon Ozzy Osbourne had a hilarious and self-deprecating response when a fan mistakenly identified him as the fuller-figured singer Meat Loaf, according to his longtime friend and guitarist Zakk Wylde. The amusing incident, which unfolded on a Concorde flight in the 1990s, left Ozzy so taken aback that he vowed to cut back on calories, showcasing his humble nature despite his superstar status.
The Confusion on Concorde
Zakk Wylde recently recounted the moment when an air stewardess, smitten with the celebrity she believed was Meat Loaf, lavished attention on Ozzy Osbourne during a flight. Mistaking the Black Sabbath frontman for the "Bat Out of Hell" hitmaker, the stewardess offered drinks, food, and special treatment, leaving Ozzy initially pleased but ultimately baffled.
Ozzy's Surprise Reaction
As the plane landed, the stewardess asked for a photo, only to exclaim, "Oh, wow, thank you Meat Loaf!" Wylde shared that Ozzy's response was both stunned and humorous: "I really f***ing need to cut back on the calories." This reaction highlighted Ozzy's ability to laugh at himself, even when faced with an unexpected comparison to the heavier-set singer.
Ozzy's Humble Demeanor
Wylde emphasized that Ozzy Osbourne was known for his humility in public, unlike many other major stars. For instance, if turned away from a restaurant due to being full, Ozzy would never pull the "Don't you know who I am?" card. Instead, he'd deflatedly remark, "I guess they don't like Black Sabbath!" This down-to-earth attitude endeared him to fans and friends alike.
Final Musical Aspirations
In an interview with Classic Rock, Wylde revealed that Ozzy expressed a desire to record new music shortly before his tragic death in July 2026. Ozzy envisioned a heavy yet melodic album, reminiscent of Wylde's work on "No More Tears." When Wylde expressed disbelief, Ozzy humorously retorted, "No, I'm not kidding – and don't call me Shirley!" This exchange underscored Ozzy's enduring passion for music and his playful spirit.
Touching Tributes and Friendships
The article also touches on the deep friendships Ozzy fostered, such as with singer Yungblud, who met his idol at an album launch party. Yungblud described a heartfelt two-and-a-half-hour conversation that sparked a lasting bond, with Ozzy offering encouragement and support. Just weeks before his passing, Yungblud performed "Changes" at Ozzy's final Villa Park show, earning a Grammy for best rock performance.
Yungblud noted that Ozzy, despite losing mobility, remained jovial in his final days, often watching the performance video multiple times daily on his new iPad. Reflecting on their friendship, Yungblud said Ozzy made him feel "normal" and celebrated for being himself, highlighting the rock star's impactful legacy beyond music.
