On this day March 27 1981 Ozzy Osbourne shocked a room full of CBS Records executives in Los Angeles by biting the head off a live dove during a publicity event. The moment instantly became one of the most infamous and controversial stunts in rock history.
Ozzy had planned to release doves as a symbol of peace during the meeting but instead stunned the crowd by grabbing one and biting off its head. The incident caused outrage and confusion but also added to his wild reputation and cemented his image as the prince of shock rock. Though the act drew heavy criticism it also generated headlines around the world helping fuel interest in Ozzy’s solo career after leaving Black Sabbath.
80s insight: This wasn’t Ozzy’s only shocking animal-related moment. A year later he bit the head off a bat on stage during a live concert in Iowa which he later claimed he thought was a rubber prop.
Ozzy had planned to release doves as a symbol of peace during the meeting but instead stunned the crowd by grabbing one and biting off its head. The incident caused outrage and confusion but also added to his wild reputation and cemented his image as the prince of shock rock. Though the act drew heavy criticism it also generated headlines around the world helping fuel interest in Ozzy’s solo career after leaving Black Sabbath.
80s insight: This wasn’t Ozzy’s only shocking animal-related moment. A year later he bit the head off a bat on stage during a live concert in Iowa which he later claimed he thought was a rubber prop.
