Meeting the Prince of Darkness

Tasked with designing a fitting keepsake that distils the essence of Ozzy Osbourne was no easy job. Working away in private for months can be kind of isolating, and it completely slipped my mind that I hadn’t even got tickets. Cutting it fine, Luke Shadrick and I drove up to Birmingham on a wing and a prayer, hoping to deliver the piece to Ozzy’s people, but instead we were invited to hang out with the great man himself in his hotel.⁠

I was welcomed with open arms, with wit and grace and felt proud beyond words to gift Ozzy a commemorative piece I have passionately worked on for months – the crest of the city reimagined in true Ozzy style, a tribute to Birmingham’s favourite son.

To say the whole experience was humbling would be an understatement. During the meeting, we were contemplative and emotional, remembering early days at The Great Frog, and Ozzy’s resemblance to my father made the meeting even more poignant.

Ozzy was in a contemplative mood, and I think the realisation of his homecoming had set in as I described the elements of the custom Birmingham crest. He was visibly choked up, as was I. It was such a huge but intimate moment for me. ⁠

Not wanting to outstay our welcome, we made our excuses to leave. When Ozzy asked if we were coming to see him tomorrow, I regretfully replied that I didn’t manage to score tickets. Not having that, he immediately made sure we were lavished with hospitality passes for the whole shebang and afterparty. We said our goodbyes, still in disbelief about what just happened. So many pinch myself moments, I’m gonna be black and blue.⁠

My attempts at trying to articulate the influence that Ozzy Osbourne has had on the world will pale into insignificance compared to the beautiful and heartfelt tributes shared from his metal friends and collaborators at the ‘Back to the Beginning’ gig, but I can say that his influence on myself and The Great Frog has been immeasurable – our whole genre wouldn’t exist without him.

I was so proud and reinvigorated to see 90% of fans and artists wearing The Great Frog!! Being told the impact The Great Frog has had on the scene and generations of the heavy metal family was truly humbling and made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up - it honestly means the world. 

That was the most memorable gig of my lifetime. Seeing the most important musicians of all time reminiscing and doing what they love with their mates for over five decades, while also honouring Ozzy in his home town was palpably emotional.

I’m still awestruck by the whole experience and feel more duty-bound than ever to continue the legacy that my father started. Seeing our creations beloved by the community all gathered in the same place is something I will never forget.

The legacy lives on in younger generations, and the baton passed with reverence.

Thank you to the Godfather of heavy metal for a once-in-a-lifetime experience and for your incredible legacy.

Love and respect,

Reino and the entire Great Frog family