By Lily Lloyd-Williams

July 2025 saw the passing of an indisputable legend of the 1970s music scene: Ozzy Osbourne. Ozzy – the Prince of Darkness with a humble Midlands background – rose to fame with his band, Black Sabbath, in the early 70s; throughout which he was largely credited as the Godfather of the heavy metal genre. Although his contributions to the music world were extraordinary and era-defining, it would be remiss not to mention the interesting (to put it mildly) antics in his largely drug-fuelled personal life. 

One of the most iconic – or rather infamous – moments of Osbourne’s career occurred during a 1982 concert, when he decapitated a bat by biting its head off. He claimed to believe the bat to be a toy, but even so, a bit odd…Ozzy also found himself arrested at the historic site The Alamo, following being caught publicly urinating while wearing his then-girlfriend Sharon’s dress. His relationship with Sharon, who went on to become his wife of 43 years, was far from smooth sailing, marred by multiple affairs and incidents of domestic abuse, including one that culminated in an attempted murder charge against him. Despite this, Sharon insisted on her unwavering love for Ozzy, even dropping the charges against him on account of him, insisting it was fuelled entirely by drugs and alcohol. Sharon’s immense amount of love for her late husband could be seen at his funeral, with her insurmountable grief legible across her face. 

“The 70s rock scene has more depth than what the term ‘rock’ suggests, with so many bands producing popular and iconic hits that push the boundaries of simple categorisation”

For me, the death of this music icon is more than just another obituary or viral headline, focusing on his turbulent relationship with substances. Instead, it is an avenue into reminiscing about the bands which led to the 70’s becoming a decade which revolutionised music. I was introduced to the music of the 70’s in various ways: from watching my parents dance on tables to Don’t Stop Me Now (Queen) at drunken dinner parties, nursing my first heartbreak with Silver Springs (Fleetwood Mac), to receiving my first vinyl (gifted to me by my wonderful grandparents) by the Who. The 70’s are without a doubt my favourite music decade – even if it means when comparing spotify wrapped my number one song is Five Years by David Bowie and my best mate’s is Call Me Maybe (Carly Rae Jepsen)! However, I think the 70s rock scene has more depth than what the term ‘rock’ itself suggests, with so many bands producing popular and iconic hits that push the boundaries of simple categorisation.

Led Zeppelin is a firm fan favourite when discussing this era. Originating in London, the band produced multiple hit records, such as Stairway to Heaven, and are often credited by critics as the precursor to heavy metal. With their untitled fourth album being one of the best-selling albums in history (37 million copies sold), they have certainly earnt their place in the 70’s rock hall of fame. Meanwhile, Pink Floyd were establishing themselves as a ‘prog rock’ band, creating songs which were often over eight minutes long. Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2 is a personal favourite, featuring a children’s choir – a nod to the intended message of the song which was to protest against the abusive and rigid nature of the British school system. Halfway across the world, in Australia, another legendary band was formed: AC/DC. With hits from the 70’s including Highway to Hell and Whole Lotta Rosie, the band is undoubtedly emblematic of the rock scene of this decade. 

“The passing of Ozzy Osbourne signifies how these bands created legends, and those legends in turn cemented themselves in musical history”

Although the aforementioned bands are undeniably iconic and important contributors to 70’s timeless rock, my personal favourite 1970s rock band is Fleetwood Mac. From the instantly recognisable tunes The Chain and Dreams, to the emotional Landslide, their repertoire is phenomenal (a totally unbiased opinion). The on-again, off-again dynamic between exes and bandmates Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks was (/is) one of the most famous situationships in the music sphere. But, it also led to the absolutely iconic live performance of Silver Springs, which serves as an excellent outlet for breakup filled rage (100% NOT speaking from experience). 

Other notable rock bands from this period which contribute to the establishment of the 70’s as a golden age for rock, (from my personal perspective, don’t hate me if I miss one) include: The Who, The Clash and The Rolling Stones and Queen, with the latter being an integral part of my childhood.  

The 1970’s were a time when rock was not just a growing genre but a platform from which bands and musicians explored different avenues, such as metal. It was also a culture. These bands made music but also made moments, trends, dances and fashion movements. The passing of Ozzy Osbourne signifies how these bands created legends, and those legends in turn cemented themselves in musical history.

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons