Tommy Lee recently shared his appreciation for Ozzy Osbourne’s generous approach when touring together. He highlighted the metal icon’s supportive attitude toward opening acts in an interview with The New York Times.
The Mötley Crüe drummer reflected on Osbourne’s exceptional generosity during their early touring days. He also discussed Osbourne’s unique stage presence that connects with audiences.
“Ozzy is a real big reason why we’re still here,” Lee said. “I can’t emphasize enough how generous he was when we toured together in the early ’80s.”
Lee elaborated on how Osbourne’s approach differed from typical headlining acts.
“Usually headliners reserve a bunch of lights and give openers a fraction of the PA system, so the opening band isn’t as loud as the headlining act,” he continued. “Ozzy was like, ‘You can have all the lights, have all the sound, have a [expletive] blast.’ And that really moved me. I never really experienced that sort of generosity and equality that he wanted for everybody.”
The drummer also praised Osbourne’s distinctive stage presence and connection with audiences.
“He has this sort of signature move,” Lee explained. “He kind of jumps in one place and claps. There’s an evil smirk on his face as he’s doing it, but I think the evil smirk is happiness because the place is going bananas. It’s letting the audience know that you are enjoying it just as much or more than they are. That connection’s important, man. Otherwise, you’re just kind of doing it for yourself.”
Lee’s comments highlight a pivotal moment in both bands’ careers. This moment helped shape the landscape of heavy metal touring in the 1980s.
Wikipedia reported that Ozzy Osbourne handpicked Mötley Crüe as an opening act after seeing them perform at the US Festival in 1983. This decision helped launch the band’s rise to fame during his Bark at the Moon Tour from 1983 to 1985. The choice proved instrumental in establishing Mötley Crüe as a major force in heavy metal.
The tour became legendary not only for its musical impact but also for the wild excess that characterized life on the road. Ultimate Metal documented that Ozzy famously described the experience as so intense that “one of us is gonna die on this tour.” This statement reflected the chaotic energy and dangerous lifestyle that both bands embraced during their time together.
“F*cking hell, one of us is gonna die,” Ozzy reportedly said about the tour. His words captured the reckless abandon that defined their partnership on the road.
The collaboration between Osbourne and Mötley Crüe during this period epitomized the excess and brotherhood of 1980s metal culture. Ultimate Classic Rock noted that the tour not only boosted Mötley Crüe’s career but also set a new standard for how established headliners could support emerging acts. This approach created a template that influenced metal touring for decades to come.
