hackdads
and I'll let chatgpt explain it...
First, Ozzy bit the head off a bat once, during a concert in 1982, and he’s said repeatedly he thought it was a rubber prop until it bit him back. He was rushed to the hospital for rabies shots afterward. The dove incident—biting the heads off two live doves—was more deliberate and arguably worse, but it happened in 1981 as a chaotic publicity stunt. Both were shocking, controversial even then, and helped solidify his reputation as a kind of unhinged "Prince of Darkness."
Why don’t people hold it against him now? A few reasons:
Time and context: This was over 40 years ago, during a time when shock value was a core part of heavy metal’s identity. Culture was different. Today, those acts would likely lead to cancellation and widespread condemnation. Back then, it fueled tabloid frenzy and record sales. Sincere regret: Ozzy has openly expressed regret for both incidents. He's not proud of them and hasn’t tried to justify them. That matters. His broader legacy: Ozzy’s fame isn’t built on those moments. He was the frontman of Black Sabbath, pioneers of heavy metal, and his solo work influenced countless artists. He’s also become something of a beloved oddball figure in pop culture, especially after The Osbournes TV show. Mortality softens focus: When someone dies, especially someone with a decades-long career, the focus tends to shift to their contributions, not their worst moments—unless those moments define them (think R. Kelly or Jimmy Savile). Ozzy’s animal incidents, while disturbing, aren’t the centerpiece of his life or legacy. So no, you're not being malicious to ask—but people aren't ignoring it because it wasn’t a big deal. They’re acknowledging that people do dumb, outrageous things, especially in altered states, and Ozzy’s long, weird, occasionally profound ride left a much broader impression.
Hope that helps give some perspective.