The Alamo Tributed Ozzy Osbourne Decades After His Behavior There Got Him Banned From San Antonio
In 1982, Ozzy Osbourne’s drunken antics at the Alamo got him banned from the city of San Antonio for a decade. People were furious with him for disrespecting the historic site. In later years, though, Osbourne made amends for his behavior. After his death this week, the Alamo even posted a tribute to him.
Ozzy Osbourne urinated on the Alamo in 1982
In 1982, Osbourne was on tour in San Antonio, Texas. While in the city, he donned his wife Sharon’s dress for a photoshoot at the Alamo. He was drunk at the time and stumbled across the street to a memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives defending the Alamo. Unaware of this, Osbourne peed on it. Police arrested him for public intoxication and urinating in public. San Antonio also banned him for a decade.
In 1992, Osbourne donated $10,000 to the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the group that manages the Alamo. He also spoke about his regret during his concert.
“We all have done things in our lives that we regret,” he said, per Loudwire. “I am deeply honored that the people of San Antonio have found it in their hearts to have me back. I hope that this donation will show that I have grown up.”
The Alamo tributed Ozzy Osbourne after his death
After Osbourne’s death, the Alamo posted a tribute to him, proving that they’d forgiven his behavior.
“We at the Alamo are saddened to hear of the passing of legendary musician Ozzy Osbourne,” reads their Instagram statement. “His relationship with the Alamo was marked initially by a deeply disrespectful incident in 1982. This act profoundly and rightfully upset many who hold this site sacred.”
“However, redemption and reconciliation eventually became part of his history as well,” the statement continues. “In 1992, Ozzy personally apologized to then-Mayor Nelson Wolff and expressed genuine remorse for his actions. Decades later, in 2015, he revisited the Alamo grounds to learn and appreciate the site’s profound history, openly demonstrating humility and understanding.”
They expressed appreciation for Osbourne’s changed behavior, and condolences to those who will miss him.
“At the Alamo, we honor history in all its complexities. Today, we acknowledge Ozzy Osbourne’s journey from regret to reconciliation at the historic site, and we extend our condolences to his family, friends, and fans around the world. May he rest in peace.”
He visited the site again in 2016
While Osbourne returned to San Antonio, he didn’t visit the Alamo again until 2016. That year, he filmed a travel series with his son, Jack, and they decided to visit the landmark. Osbourne was very concerned about how people would receive him.
“When it came out in the press and the news story blew up, he was like, ‘Ah, f*** this,’” Jack told Rolling Stone. “Thirty years ago, people legitimately wanted to kill my dad. So when he saw all those people, he was really freaked out like they were going to beat the s*** out of him.”
There was a huge crowd outside when they arrived.
“I warned the producers,” Osbourne said. “I said, ‘You go to the Alamo, everything’s going to happen.’ And it’s a f***ing riot when we get there.”
“The crowd started going nuts,” he added. “It was scary.”
Ultimately, though, they were able to visit the site and tour the museum without incident.
