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