Lita Ford Recalls Writing “Close My Eyes Forever” with Ozzy Osbourne

Rock Icon Shares Emotional Connection to Iconic Power Ballad

Singer Lita Ford, 66, found herself in Birmingham, England, preparing for a deeply personal rendition of her 1989 hit “Close My Eyes Forever” at K.K. Downing’s club. The performance, scheduled in honor of Ozzy Osbourne, carried a profound emotional weight for Ford as she reflected on their shared history and Osbourne’s passing.

A Night of Emotional Resonance

“It’s going to be really emotional,” Ford shared backstage. She described being moved to tears by the stage setup honoring Osbourne. “I keep thinking — how did we end up here? How did Ozzy end up passing away? And here we are in Birmingham — Birmingham! — where it all began.” The alignment of the performance location with the song’s origins added to the poignant atmosphere.

The Genesis of a Hit Ballad

The creation of “Close My Eyes Forever” in 1987 was born from a spontaneous, wine-fueled session at Record One Studios in Los Angeles. Ford, then 29, was charting her post-Runaways path, while Osbourne, 39, was navigating his own struggles. The duo locked themselves in a small room with a keyboard and an amp, emerging by morning with the emotionally charged ballad.

Ford also spoke with Rolling Stone about her early influences, the impact of Black Sabbath on her career, and a memorable Easter dinner that took an unexpected turn with Osbourne.

She emphasized the enduring connection to Osbourne and his music, stating, “Ozzy has been such a huge part of my life in so many ways, starting from when I was just a little girl. I grew up listening to Black Sabbath.” Ford recounted attending her first concert, Black Sabbath in 1972, and how her parents, while sometimes hesitant about her musical choices, were supportive of her listening to the band.

An Unforgettable Easter Dinner

Recounting a visit from Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne for Easter dinner, Ford painted a picture of a suburban neighborhood captivated by the arrival of the rock and roll royalty. “Picture this: a small middle-class neighborhood, and they pull up in a limousine. Of course, Ozzy gets out with Sharon, and the neighbors were losing their minds.”

She described Sharon Osbourne‘s energetic presence, sharing a moment where she showed off a beloved belt. Meanwhile, Ozzy Osbourne, after quickly consuming a bottle of wine, was offered the task of carving the Easter lamb. The moment took a humorous turn when the knife slipped, and Osbourne later revealed his vegetarianism.

Can you believe I’m in Ozzy’s hometown tonight? It’s a quarter to ten, and Lita Ford, 66, is backstage at K.K. Downing’s club in Birmingham, zipped into leather, the air thick with anticipation and sweat. Ford is about to deliver what will be the most wrenching live performance of “Close My Eyes Forever” — her aching 1989 power ballad with Ozzy Osbourne that became Osbourne’s first and only Top 10 hit.

— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) March 20, 2024

Creative Chemistry and “Poisonous Songs”

The writing of “Close My Eyes Forever” occurred shortly after the Easter visit. Ford recalled Sharon Osbourne bringing a life-size gorilla replica to her studio, after which Ozzy Osbourne remained. The two then retreated to a small room with instruments, collaborating until sunrise.

“Sometimes that’s what you’ve got to do — you just have to lose yourself to be creative,” Ford explained. She acknowledged the role of substances in their creative process, noting, “During the creative process, sometimes you just have to have a little bit of poison to write something like that.” Ford believes these “poisonous songs” resonate with audiences due to their raw, relatable nature.

The pair emerged from the session with the hit song, a testament to their creative synergy. Despite an understandably irate Sharon Osbourne upon their return, the outcome was a chart-topping single.

“Close My Eyes Forever” has since become a song frequently played at funerals, underscoring its deep emotional impact. As Ford concluded, “In Ozzy’s name, keep rocking. Great rock stars never truly die.”