In this episode of the Beardo and Weirdo podcast, Chris and Craig interview Stephen Rea, who discusses his four-decade-long relationship with Ozzy Osbourne. His unique journey began in 1984 when Stephen’s mother wrote a letter to the Ozzy Osbourne Fan Club inquiring about tickets for the first Rock in Rio festival. This simple act led to an unexpected invitation from Ozzy's team, resulting in a private breakfast where the then 15-year-old Stephen met Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne for the first time.
The conversation explores Stephen’s transition from a superfan to a trusted "consultant" and employee within Ozzy's inner circle. He provides a candid look at life on the road during the 1980s, describing the grueling reality for road crews who faced 7 a.m. call times and relentless schedules. He also shares lighthearted memories of Ozzy's notorious pranks, such as his habit of bribing hotel porters for master keys to sneak into rooms and shave people's eyebrows while they slept.
The episode concludes with a poignant reflection on Ozzy’s later years and his enduring humanity. Stephen recounts the emotional experience of watching Ozzy’s final rehearsals for the song "Mama, I'm Coming Home," where the physical toll of Parkinson’s was evident despite the singer's immense effort. Stephen describes their final private meeting just weeks before Ozzy's passing, where the legendary performer expressed his gratitude for their long friendship, emphasizing that despite his global fame, Ozzy remained a humble and often insecure "family guy" to the very end.
This is one episode you won't want to miss.
CHAPTERS:
00:00:00 Talking To Stephen Rea
00:02:31 Meeting Ozzy Osbourne
00:06:25 Ozzy Osbourne Was A Kind Person
00:08:02 Meeting Ozzy Was Surreal
00:10:20 Being A Ligger With Ozzy
00:12:40 Stephen Rea Writes Like A Fan
00:16:43 Ozzy Osbourne's Inner Circle
00:18:59 Stephen Wrote Everything Ozzy Said
00:20:11 Never Asked For Anything From Ozzy
00:22:14 Sharron Osbourne
00:24:29 Jack Osbourne's Forward for Ozzy And Me
00:28:36 Friends Of Ozzy Osbourne
00:30:02 Chris Kael Meeting Ozzy Osbourne
00:31:45 Black Sabbath Band Mates
00:35:48 The Real Job Working With Bands
00:38:28 Roadies Work Very Hard
00:42:53 Ozzy Osbourne's Recovery From Drugs
00:45:34 Drinking With Ozzy in Dublin
00:48:05 Aliases
00:49:43 Ozzy Becoming Frail
00:54:49 Ozzy's Funeral
00:56:37 Last Words With Ozzy
00:59:55 Finding Out Ozzy Died
01:01:56 Ozzy's Imposter Syndrome
01:04:06 Ozzy Hating His Own Music
01:05:22 Stephen's Favorite Question
01:07:07 Top 3 Ozzy Osbourne Songs
01:08:19 Stephen's Crazy Story
01:10:00 Getting the "Ozzy and Me" Book