Lemmy Kilmister Once Reviewed ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ — And He Didn’t Hold Back
via Ozz Fest / YouTube
In the pantheon of metal gods, few names ring louder than Lemmy Kilmister and Ozzy Osbourne. Though their paths took different shapes—Motörhead’s punk-infused speed metal and Ozzy’s theatrical heavy rock—their mutual respect bridged any stylistic gaps. In 2011, that mutual admiration was captured on video, when Lemmy recorded a brief but memorable review of Ozzy’s iconic solo debut, Blizzard of Ozz.
The review was originally meant to be part of the 30th-anniversary reissue of Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman, a deluxe release packed with remastered audio and archival footage. While Lemmy’s commentary didn’t make the final cut, it thankfully survived and found its way online, where fans could witness his candid take on Ozzy’s rebirth as a solo artist.
What made Lemmy’s remarks so fascinating wasn’t just his praise—it was the way he delivered it, mixing sincerity with trademark sarcasm. He didn’t mince words, offering a raw and funny, yet surprisingly heartfelt, reflection on the music, the tour, and the man behind the madness.
Not a Sabbath Fan, But a Blizzard Believer
Lemmy opens his commentary with a surprising confession: he never really connected with Black Sabbath, the band that launched Ozzy into rock stardom. For someone as deeply entrenched in the metal world, that revelation may seem unexpected. But Lemmy’s honesty has always been part of his charm—and his criticism never felt like dismissal, just personal taste.
Despite not being a Sabbath diehard, Lemmy calls Blizzard of Ozz a “great” album. He recalls watching Ozzy perform songs from it night after night during their 1981 North American tour together. “It was really good. Really good tour,” he says simply, letting the memory speak for itself without hyperbole or flourish.
What stands out in Lemmy’s review is his appreciation for Ozzy’s reinvention. Fired from Sabbath in 1979, Ozzy came back swinging with Blizzard of Ozz, defying the odds. Lemmy saw that transformation firsthand and gave it the kind of understated approval that means more than any industry award.
Randy Rhoads, Guitar God and Gaming Rival
Lemmy doesn’t just stop at praising the album—he dives into memories of touring with Ozzy’s band, particularly guitarist Randy Rhoads. The late shredder left a profound mark on metal despite his tragically short life, and Lemmy’s tribute walks the line between playful and poignant.
With his typical dry wit, Lemmy recalls how Rhoads was terrible at playing the arcade game Asteroids, joking that he beat him “across the country, from East Coast to West and back.” It’s a funny detail, but it also humanizes Rhoads, portraying him not just as a virtuoso, but as a young guy enjoying life on the road.
But then Lemmy shifts gears, offering genuine admiration. “Randy was just brilliant… he wasn’t scared. He’d just go for it.” He remembers how Ozzy would physically throw Rhoads around onstage, yet the guitarist never missed a note. That daring spirit, according to Lemmy, was what made Rhoads unforgettable.
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Legacy Sealed in Stone and Sound
The connection between Lemmy and Ozzy didn’t end after that 1981 tour. They would work together again a decade later when Lemmy co-wrote songs for No More Tears, one of Ozzy’s most successful albums. Motörhead even joined him on tour again in 1992. Their bond may have started on the road, but it endured in the music.
Both men are now gone—Lemmy passed in 2015, and Ozzy in 2025—but their legacies live on, not just in records, but in the hearts of fans and the monuments erected in their honor. In Stoke-on-Trent, a statue of Lemmy stands tall. In Birmingham, the Black Sabbath Bench immortalizes Ozzy and his bandmates in stone.
As Lemmy’s candid review reminds us, the true legends never needed polishing. Whether they were trading stage time or arcade scores, Lemmy and Ozzy remained fiercely themselves—flawed, raw, brilliant. And in that spirit, Blizzard of Ozz stands as more than a comeback album; it’s a snapshot of two icons crashing into each other at full volume.
