For over five decades, Ozzy Osbourne has personified rock and roll, from his childhood in poverty and time in prison, to fronting metal band Black Sabbath, a successful solo career and a lovable 21st century television dad. Director Greg Johnston’s documentary follows Ozzy on and off the rails on the crazy train that was his incredible life.
The inaugural edition of our new music film series, Sonic Sundays, kicks off with the U.S. Theatrical Premiere of The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne. The film was meant to premiere at SXSW back in 2020, but the pandemic ended its theatrical life. A broadcast version has aired, but this is the first time that the theatrical version of the film will be screened in the U.S. (it’s only screened once before, in the UK prior to Ozzy’s passing).
“Director Greg Johnston also strongly establishes — through interviews with Black Sabbath bandmates and Ozzy’s own introspection — some of the driving desires and motivations, which sometimes coincided in unexpected ways with his rapidly expanding stardom. That’s where things get really interesting.” — Ashlie D. Stevens, Salon.com
“Even if you think this film is not for you, you will enjoy it. Ozzy’s story is a true rags to riches story with more ups and downs in life than many normal people could probably cope with.” — Phil Aston, Now Spinning (UK)
Greg Johnston
Christina Keating
Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, Ice-T
United States