John Michael Osbourne, known as Ozzy Osbourne or the "Prince of Darkness," died at age 76. His death follows a career marked by shocking and often contradictory accounts of his onstage antics. One infamous incident involved a bat at a Des Moines, Iowa concert in January 1982, during which Osbourne bit into a bat thrown onstage, with differing accounts emerging over the years regarding whether the bat was alive or dead at the time. Another incident involved biting the heads off two doves at a meeting with CBS record executives in Los Angeles.

These incidents, along with others, contributed to Osbourne's image as a figurehead of rock excess, significantly boosting his publicity and notoriety, and impacting his solo career. The details surrounding these events often varied depending on who Osbourne was speaking to, contributing to their legendary status within rock history.

Impact Statement: Osbourne's death marks the end of a significant era in rock music, leaving behind a legacy shaped by both his musical talent and his outrageous, often debated, public persona.