By Martin Anaya
Contributing Writer / CA Film Foundation
When I was a young man, just out of high school, I had the occasion to meet Ozzy Ozbourne while working at a curiosity shop. For a couple of generations, heavy metal has defined the leading edge of Rock and Roll and what it could be. Ozzy and Black Sabbath were the originators.
When I met Ozzy, it was after some kids had spiked my drink with acid. Yep. Some of my so-called friends thought it would be funny to sneak LSD in my drinking water unbeknown to me. I was freaked out!! I needed that job and went to work anyway.
Both Ozzy and The Grateful Dead were in town that weekend and the mall was filled with interesting characters. One of them approached me and our eyes locked.
“Pardon me but would you have any ghost busters?” said the man.
I quickly realized that Ozzy had two small children, Jack and Kelly and that the toys were undoubtedly for them. Picking up on cues, I still wasn’t completely sure it was him.
“No, we are in a curious shop but please come look around.” I told this rock legend (before I knew it was him), “There is a KB Toys store down the lane.”
Like a dream, this guy didn’t leave and he walked right into my shop and walked around.
“Thank you,” I told him, as he looked around the shop but for what? He exclaimed,
“For heavy metal!” He exclaimed, “You’re very welcome.”
His eyes were filled with kindness and gratitude. I asked him to sign his autograph for me and as he did, I thought I was hallucinating! I’d never even asked him his name. This was probably some deadhead, wearing holey jeans and a t-shirt, couldn’t be someone important.
But as I looked down and saw his hands; a gold Rolex on one wrist and an “OZZY” tattooed on the other. Oh, it was him alright. Before he left, he asked me if I was going to the show that night. I told him it was sold out and I didn’t have the dollars to scalp a ticket at this point.
“See you tonight!.” Right then and there, Ozzy planted two backstage passes on me.
I did see him that night. I love you Ozzy. Rest in peace my friend!
Martin Anaya is the Executive Director at Pacific Coast TV, Director at California Film Foundation and founder at Sacramento Film Festival. If you are a film producer, you will want to get in touch with Martin.
