Dive into the chaotic world of Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Babies" video, a defining moment for the Prince of Darkness and the debut of a legendary guitarist.
The Song
"Crazy Babies" is a track from Ozzy Osbourne's fifth solo studio album, No Rest for the Wicked, released in September 1988 in the United States and October 1988 in the United Kingdom. The song was released as the album's second single in February 1989. This heavy metal anthem was co-written by Osbourne, his new guitarist Zakk Wylde, bassist Bob Daisley, and drummer Randy Castillo. It marked a significant turning point, introducing Wylde's aggressive guitar style, which helped make No Rest for the Wicked one of Ozzy's heaviest albums.
The lyrics, with lines such as "Born to live on a permanent high," have been subject to fan speculation, with some interpreting them as hints at cocaine-fueled rebellion, while others playfully suggest different meanings, showcasing the song's open-ended vibe. Despite its cult status among fans, "Crazy Babies" rarely features in Ozzy's live setlists, making it a cherished deep cut for diehard followers.
The Artist
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England, on December 3, 1948, Ozzy Osbourne rose to prominence as the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath, a band widely credited with pioneering heavy metal. After departing Black Sabbath in 1979, Ozzy embarked on a successful solo career, releasing his debut album Blizzard of Ozz in 1980, which spawned anthems like "Crazy Train."
Ozzy's career spans over five decades, encompassing 13 solo albums, multiple Grammy Awards, and inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame both as a solo artist and with Black Sabbath. Beyond his music, he became a pop culture legend with the MTV reality show The Osbournes (2002–2005), which offered a chaotic yet lovable glimpse into his family life.
Chart Performance
While specific chart positions for the "Crazy Babies" single itself are not extensively detailed, its parent album, No Rest for the Wicked, performed strongly. The album peaked at number 13 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States. It was certified gold in December 1988 and has since achieved double platinum status, selling over two million copies.
In the UK, Ozzy Osbourne has had several singles chart, with "Crazy Babies" not explicitly listed among his highest-charting singles. However, the song remains a fan favorite and a significant track in his discography, particularly for marking the debut of Zakk Wylde.
Cultural Impact
"Crazy Babies" holds a significant place in Ozzy Osbourne's history as it introduced Zakk Wylde as his new lead guitarist. Ozzy himself called Wylde's energy a "new beginning" in a 1988 Rolling Stone interview, which reignited his passion for music. Fans continue to praise the raw power of the No Rest for the Wicked album, with "Crazy Babies" often highlighted as a bridge to Ozzy's distinct "Zakk Wylde era."
The music video for "Crazy Babies," directed by Wayne Isham, was cutting-edge for its time (1989), with its grainy black-and-white shots and shaky camera work influencing later heavy metal videos. For many, this song and its video were their first introduction to Ozzy's unique voice, attitude, and energy, cementing a lifelong fandom.
Fun Facts
- "Crazy Babies" was one of the first songs Zakk Wylde wrote with Ozzy Osbourne, reportedly crafted during a late-night jam session.
- The music video features Ozzy laughing maniacally, showing off his iconic "O-Z-Z-Y" knuckle tattoo, and sitting on a throne surrounded by children.
- The album cover art for No Rest for the Wicked, which features a similar motif of Ozzy with children, was shot by photographer Bob Carlos Clarke.
- One of the young models on the album cover was a 10-year-old Liberty Ross, who later became a well-known model and actress.
- The video also notably features Geezer Butler on bass, despite Bob Daisley being the bassist for the album recording. Daisley was replaced by Butler for promotional tours after the album was recorded.
- The recording sessions for the song took place at Enterprise Studios in Los Angeles and Goodnight L.A. Studios in Van Nuys, California.