Ozzy Osbourne’s Special Connection to West Michigan Includes a Proposal in Kalamazoo

As fans around the world mourn the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, the outpouring of love here in West Michigan has been overwhelming. Memories and tributes are flooding our Facebook page and app, showing just how much the Prince of Darkness meant to this community.

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West Michigan Fans Share Their Favorite Ozzy Stories

WGRD’s Tommy Carroll shared his favorite Ozzy memory online, and it’s one that shows the legend’s warmth offstage. Back in the ’80s, Tommy was working security at Pine Knob during the Ultimate Sin tour when he nervously asked Ozzy for one of Jake E. Lee’s guitar picks. Instead of brushing him off, Ozzy grinned, introduced him to Jake, and made sure he got the pick—an act of kindness Tommy says he’ll never forget.

It’s clear Ozzy had a way of creating unforgettable moments, both onstage and off. And as West Michigan fans are proving, those memories run deep.

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Here are just a few of the stories you’ve shared with us as we all remember the Prince of Darkness.

Tom M. shares,

My first concert ever was September 29, 1986, at Welch Auditorium—the day before I turned 16 and got my driver’s license. Queensrÿche opened for Ozzy, and it was a show and a memory I’ll never forget. Ozzy had some of the greatest music ever!

Marcy saw the legend in Kalamazoo. She writes,

My husband won tickets with back stage passes to K Wings concert. Awesome concert but the best part was going back stage. Ozzy was so quiet compared to seeing his persona on stage. While we were waiting our turn in line a woman kept going on wanting a kiss from Ozzy and would not let up. The security guard kept telling she had to stay behind the table. Ozzy finally told the security guard to let her back. She got her kiss and just screamed the rest the way out the door. We did get a signed picture from Ozzy.

Mark caught Ozzy in Grand Rapids. He says,

My favorite Ozzy moment was when Ozzy mooned the crowd in the middle of the set at Van Andel during Black Sabbath's first reunion tour. February 1998, I believe. Pantera opened. Awesome show.

Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne Got Engaged in Kalamazoo, Michigan

It turns out West Michigan holds a special place in the Osbournes’ hearts too. Back in 2015, Sharon tweeted a black and white photo of the two of them bundled up in coats. It's from the day the pair got engaged in Kalamazoo in 1981! She captioned it simply,

The day Ozzy proposed to me in Kalamazoo, MI ’81

⬇BELOW: OZZY IN PHOTO THROUGH THE YEARS, 1969-2025⬇

Though details of the proposal remain private, the photo and memory speak volumes. It’s a reminder that Ozzy’s legacy here wasn’t just built on loud riffs and sold-out shows—but also on moments of real love and connection.

From that life-changing proposal to unforgettable concerts, Ozzy’s ties to our corner of Michigan run deep. His music and presence left a mark on generations—and now, as his songs fill the airwaves as we remember a legend, West Michigan is giving that love back.