About the Song
There are certain songs that transcend their genre, their era, and even the artists who created them, becoming foundational pillars of rock and metal history. Ozzy Osbourne‘s “Mr. Crowley” is undoubtedly one of them. Released in 1980 on his debut solo album, Blizzard of Ozz, this track isn’t just a song; it’s a theatrical masterpiece, a dark and dramatic journey that perfectly encapsulated the unique artistic vision that Ozzy Osbourne would bring to his post-Black Sabbath career.
The song’s power lies in its complex layers, from its chilling subject matter to the virtuosic musicianship that brings it to life. The lyrics, penned by Osbourne with bassist Bob Daisley, delve into the enigmatic life and philosophy of Aleister Crowley, a controversial English occultist, mystic, and ceremonial magician who lived from 1875 to 1947. Osbourne’s signature vocal delivery, with its haunting melody and theatrical flair, transforms the lyrics from a mere historical recounting into a gripping interrogation. He questions Crowley’s motives and legacy, singing lines like “Mr. Crowley, what went on in your head?” and “Did you talk to the dead?” This isn’t a song celebrating the occult; it’s a dramatic exploration of a figure who fascinated and repelled society, delivered with a sense of both awe and suspicion.
However, the true magic of “Mr. Crowley” — the element that secures its place in rock and roll legend — is the breathtaking guitar work of the late, great Randy Rhoads. The opening keyboard motif, a dark and classical-inspired passage performed by Don Airey, sets a somber, almost gothic tone. But when Rhoads’s guitar enters, the song explodes with a vibrant energy. His playing on this track is a masterclass in musicality. The extended guitar solos, particularly the iconic final solo, are a perfect blend of technical brilliance and emotional expression. He utilizes a variety of techniques, from fast-paced, fluid scales to melodic, almost bluesy bends, all while maintaining a sense of dramatic tension and narrative. Rhoads’s solo doesn’t just fill space; it tells a story, a swirling maelstrom of emotion and energy that mirrors the lyrical turmoil. It’s a performance that continues to inspire guitarists and music lovers to this day, a testament to a talent that was tragically cut short.
For those of us who came of age in the late ’70s and ’80s, “Mr. Crowley” was more than just a hit song. It was a statement. It marked a new beginning for Ozzy Osbourne, proving he could forge a path beyond Black Sabbath with a sound that was both heavier and more sophisticated. The song demonstrated a willingness to explore complex themes and embrace theatricality, a departure from the more straightforward doom of his former band. It also introduced the world to Randy Rhoads, a guitarist whose brief career would leave an indelible mark on the landscape of heavy metal. The song’s enduring legacy is a testament to the powerful alchemy that occurred when these two artists, a charismatic frontman and a revolutionary guitarist, combined their formidable talents to create something truly unforgettable. Even decades later, the opening notes of “Mr. Crowley” remain as potent and electrifying as they were on the day it was released.