Ozzy Osbourne, Heavy Metal Pioneer and Black Sabbath Frontman, Remembered for Minnesota Performances
Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath and a pivotal figure in the development of heavy metal, has passed away at the age of 76. His death, which occurred just two weeks after a charity performance that reportedly raised nearly $200 million, has prompted fans to share cherished memories of his extensive performance history in Minnesota.
Osbourne’s connection with Minnesota audiences spans decades, marked by several memorable concerts and events:
black Sabbath’s Inaugural Minnesota Show (July 5, 1971, St. Paul Auditorium)
The first encounter between Black Sabbath and Minnesota fans at the St. Paul Auditorium is remembered less for the music and more for the ensuing chaos. reports indicate that some attendees engaged in destructive behavior, damaging glass and chairs within the venue. This incident, coupled with concerns about audience intoxication, led St. Paul city attorney Daniel Klas to write a letter to the city council, urging a halt to future concerts at the venue, which was later renamed the Roy Wilkins Auditorium. Klas’s letter alluded to “numerous persons under the influence of drugs and alcohol… walking in a daze with very glassy eyes,” foreshadowing a history of challenging concert experiences at the location.
Riverflat Jam (May 25, 1981, Minneapolis)
Following his departure from Black Sabbath, Osbourne embarked on his first solo tour, which included a stop at the short-lived Riverflat Jam festival held at East River Flats Park near the University of Minnesota campus. Motörhead served as the opening act. Osbourne performed with his “Blizzard of Ozz” band, featuring the acclaimed guitarist Randy Rhoads, who tragically died in a plane crash a year later. Bill Lindsey,the frontman of the veteran St. Paul metal band Impaler, recalled Osbourne’s performance as “on fire” and lauded the band’s lineup, which also included rudy Sarzo and Tommy Aldridge, stating, “Ozzy was in the greatest band on the planet twice in his lifetime.”
Ozzfest Meets Warped Tour (July 18, 1998, Float-Rite Park, Somerset, Wisconsin)
this groundbreaking event, the first collaboration between Osbourne’s Ozzfest and the punk-oriented Warped Tour, garnered national attention. Held at Float-Rite Park in Somerset, Wisconsin, just across the state line from the Twin Cities, the festival drew an estimated 40,000 fans. The event was associated with approximately 200 arrests for driving under the influence in the surrounding areas.
