Ozzy Osbourne Turns 64 Years Young!

The "Prince of Darkness" Ozzy Osbourne has inspired Horns Up Rocks since our inception in February of 2010. Actually, our second post ever was a review of Ozzy's book titled "I Am Ozzy". Almost three years later, we are writing about Ozzy again, but this time is to wish him an amazing birthday and many more to come! We love you Ozzy!

As previously reported, the Ozzfest clan announced that Ozzy Osbourne's traveling festival will take place on May 11-12, 2013 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City (outside Tokyo), Japan. Not only will be BLACK SABBATH be performing, but joining them will be: find out HERE

It has also been announced that BLACK SABBATH's NEW album is tentatively scheduled for release in April 2013 via Vertigo/Universal Republic in the U.S. and Vertigo in all other territories.

Related links:
Black Sabbath
Ozzfest

Tony Iommi Celebrates His 64th Birthday; We Wish Him MANY More To Come!

Today (February 19), Anthony Frank "Tony" Iommi is celebrating his 64th birthday! Iommi was born in Handsworth, Birmingham, England, and is considered the pioneer of Heavy Metal guitar shredding. As we all know, Iommi is a founding member of Black Sabbath and has been the only member to be part of every incarnation of the band.

Here are some facts about the great Tony Iommi:

- Iommi, a left-handed guitar player, is one of the most important and influential guitarists in Heavy Metal history.

- He originally wanted to play the drums, but due to the noise they produce he picked up the guitar as a teenager, after being inspired by the likes of Hank Marvin and The Shadows.

- According to Allmusic, "Iommi is one of only two guitarists (the other being Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page) that can take full credit for pioneering the mammoth riffs of Heavy Metal".

- In an industrial accident at the age of 17 on his last day of work in a sheet metal factory, he lost the tips of the middle and ring finger of his right hand. After attempting to learn to play right-handed, Iommi instead strung his guitars with lighter strings and made thimbles to extend his fingers.

- Considered the best guitarist of all time according to Guitar World's "100 Greatest Metal Guitarists of All Time".

- Last year, Iommi released his autobiography "Iron Man: My Journey Through Heaven and Hell with Black Sabbath".

- On 9 January 2012, it was announced that Iommi had been diagnosed with early stage lymphoma.

We want to wish Tony a very HEAVY birthday and many more to come! \m/





Related links:
Official site of Tony Iommi