The death of Ozzy Osbourne leaves a void in the rock and metal worlds that’ll never be filled. That he was the ultimate one off is obvious. But Ozzy was so much more: trailblazer, megastar and cultural icon.

The most impressive element of his crazy, legendary career is that there were essentially two of them. When Osbourne left Black Sabbath after a glorious stint that birthed a genre, it seemed over. On the contrary, it was merely beginning.

The second phase of Ozzy’s journey emulated the first and, arguably, surpassed it with a solo career full of commercial triumphs. The high water marks were undoubtedly those early solo albums alongside the late, great Randy Rhoads.

Sharon masterminded it all, of course, bringing her unique blend of mammoth ambition and business savvy. You don’t mess with Sharon, as Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson discovered at Ozzfest in 2005. From metal pioneer, to supreme solo success and, eventually, inconceivably, reality tv star. That’s one hell of a trip.

Notwithstanding his undoubted fame, Ozzy was consistently underestimated musically. No-one stays at the top that long without genuine talent and Osbourne had plenty of it. But it was his sheer charisma and relatability that resonated most with the masses.

How poignant that Ozzy’s passing came mere days after the triumphant final gig at Villa Park. Like many of us, I was shocked when I heard the news. Some people you just don’t expect to die!

That said, given Ozzy’s legendary hard living lifestyle, it’s a minor miracle he made it to 76. If we’re honest, that’s what we most admired begrudgingly about Osbourne. Ozzy embodied a lifelong commitment to the cause. A lot of people pretend to be rock n’ roll. Ozzy was the real deal!

@rorymcgimpsey