Ozzy Osbourne Charts A ‘New’ Album

Ozzy Osbourne’s “Blizzard of Ozz” sells 3,500 copies in one week, up 56%, and hits four Billboard charts after his death. Ozzy Osbourne, portrait, London , United Kingdom, 1991. (Photo by Martyn Goodacre/Getty Images)

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It’s been almost a month since Ozzy Osbourne passed away at the age of 76. The rock legend died just a few weeks after mounting his final performance — something that the world was aware of at the time, as it was marketed as both his last stage show and the last time Black Sabbath would perform together under its original lineup.

What wasn’t known at the time was that Osbourne would sadly die just days later. In the weeks following the tragedy, the catalogs of the solo powerhouse and Black Sabbath have moved huge quantities of units and invaded charts all around the world, as is the case whenever such a spike occurs following a major event. Most songs and albums are on the downswing, but Osbourne manages something unexpected this week in America.

Blizzard of Ozz Debuts on Multiple Billboard Charts

Blizzard of Ozz, Osbourne’s debut solo album, launches on two Billboard tallies in the U.S. The set had previously not been one of the greatest gainers in the singer-songwriter’s catalog following his passing, but suddenly, it’s become a top performer in America. Blizzard of Ozz launches at No. 11 on the Top Hard Rock Albums chart and No. 30 on the Top Rock & Alternative Albums list.

Ozzy Osbourne’s Tenth Charting Album

Posthumously, Osbourne reaches a special milestone on the Top Hard Rock Albums list. Blizzard of Ozz marks his milestone tenth appearance on the ranking, not including his work with Black Sabbath. He’s now up to eight wins on the ranking of the most consumed rock and alternative titles, which also includes the heavier sides of those genres.

Sales of Blizzard of Ozz Spike 56%

As Blizzard of Ozz gets its start on two genre-specific charts, it also returns to the Top Album Sales list. Osbourne’s collection reenters that tally, which looks only at pure purchases, at No. 23, four weeks into its life on the list. The set makes it to a new high point after selling 3,500 copies in the previous tracking frame, according to Luminate. That sum is up almost 56% — more than 1,000 equivalent units — from the period prior.

Blizzard of Ozz Returns to the Billboard 200

Blizzard of Ozz also manages to find its way back to the Billboard 200, but unlike on the other three charts where it can currently be found in America, it neither debuts nor reaches a new peak position. Osbourne’s early set reappears at No. 124, more than 100 spaces down from its No. 21 high. In addition to the thousands of actual sales it managed, Blizzard of Ozz shifted a total of 11,050 equivalent units in the nation last period.

“Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley” Come From that Era

Osbourne released Blizzard of Ozz in the fall of 1980. The year prior, he’d been fired from Black Sabbath, which brought him to international fame. Blizzard of Ozz produced singles like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley,” which are still regarded as some of Osbourne’s most famous. Both tracks had a major impact on Billboard’s lists following his death.