Ozzy Osborne: Taking on a Whole Different Tour
Story and photos by Sally A. Schwartz

On Saturday, February 20, 2010 I had the opportunity to catch up with the rest of the media and to photograph Ozzy Osborne. He was at the Changing Hands book store in Tempe, Arizona to promote his new book, "I Am Ozzy."

The line was long and wove down around the block. At the head of the line, there were a few people who needed the assistance of wheelchairs. One person in particular caught my eye-- a nine year old boy with a cast that covered his entire left leg. A classmate had kicked him hard enough to break his shin. The child wasn’t able to put any weight on his leg and will be in a wheelchair for six weeks. I chatted with the kid as we waited for our turn inside the store.

"I’m so excited," the boy said. "The moment I found out that Ozzy was going to be here at Changing Hands, I wouldn’t let anyone sign my cast. The only person I want to sign my cast is Ozzy. He’s the man! I really hope that he‘ll sign it. Do you think he will?"

"Anything is possible," I told him. "If you ask him I’m sure he just might do that."

 Finally, the book signing began and it was time for me to get to work, capturing Ozzy throughout the madness.

"I Am Ozzy"
Ozzy Osbourne
Grand Central Publishing
$27
ISBN: 0-446-56989-5
ISBN13: 978-0-446-56989-7

Grand Central Publishing: "His autobiography describes the excesses of his rock 'n roll lifestyle-- every bottle, needle, pill, girl, and gun. Holding back nothing, this is horrific, fascinating, and often hilarious. The voice here is pure Ozzy. One of the most amazing rock autobiographies of all time."