Bats Take the Stand: PETA's Ozzy Tribute Faces Backlash
OZZY OSBOURNE: FROM BAT-BITING ROCKSTAR TO ANIMAL LOVER - THE BIZARRE JOURNEY OF A MUSIC LEGEND
The news of Ozzy Osbourne's passing at 76 has sent shockwaves around the world, with fans and fellow musicians alike mourning the loss of a true rock icon. But amidst the outpouring of tributes, one surprise tribute has sparked a frenzy of outrage and ridicule on social media: a warm eulogy from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), who praised Ozzy's "gentle side" towards animals.
Yes, you read that right - the same Ozzy Osbourne who bit the head off a live bat during a Black Sabbath concert in Iowa 43 years ago. The incident, which has become one of the most infamous moments in rock history, was just one of many examples of Ozzy's wild and reckless behavior back in his heyday.
But what about all the other times Ozzy got up close and personal with animals? Like the time he massacred a clowder of 17 cats in a drug-induced frenzy during the height of his addictions? Or when he bit the head off a dove during a meeting with CBS, because, as he admitted, "I just wanted to shut her up"?
It seems that PETA has conveniently glossed over all these incidents in their tribute, focusing instead on Ozzy's later years as an animal lover and activist. But fans are not buying it.
"How dare you!" exclaimed one outraged Twitter user. "He killed a bat on stage by biting off its head! How do you support such things!?!?!!?" Others joked that bats "would like a word" with PETA, while one user sarcastically suggested that Ozzy should have bitten the heads off of more live animals.
It's not hard to see why PETA might want to downplay Ozzy's animal-related antics - after all, their organization has always been quick to call out celebrities who mistreat wildlife. But it's a bit rich coming from them now, especially when you consider the musician's later work with the group on anti-fur campaigns and cat declawing awareness.
The real question is: what changed Ozzy? After years of dropping animals' heads like they were going out of style, he suddenly became an animal lover?
According to his own account, it was a combination of hitting rock bottom (literally) in the early 1980s, when he massacred all those cats, and getting sober. He's since spoken publicly about his past excesses, including snorting ants on tour with Motley Crue and talking to a horse for an hour while under the influence of LSD.
It's almost as if Ozzy went from being a wild child to a gentle giant overnight. And who can blame him? After years of self-destructive behavior, it's no wonder he decided to clean up his act.
The irony is that PETA's tribute has sparked more outrage than sympathy for the late musician. Fans are still reeling from the news of Ozzy's passing, and while they may have had their differences with him in life, most can agree on one thing: Ozzy Osbourne was a true original, and his legacy will live on long after he's gone.
As his family prepares to say goodbye, we're reminded that even the most outrageous rockstars can change - sometimes for the better. And as for PETA? Well, let's just say they'll be keeping a close eye on their next tribute recipient...
