Ozzy Osbourne's Bat Incident: Fact or Fiction?
The infamous bat incident during Ozzy Osbourne's concert in Des Moines, Iowa, has been the subject of much debate and controversy. But what really happened on that fateful night in 1982?
Did Ozzy Really Bite a Bat?
Yes, Ozzy Osbourne performed a notorious act during a concert in Des Moines, Iowa, on January 20, 1982. During this concert, a fan threw a bat onto the stage, which Ozzy initially thought to be a rubber prop. However, the bat was indeed a real one, and Osbourne ended up biting the head off it. This incident became a notorious part of his rock persona, contributing to his reputation for outrageous stage antics.
Osbourne later clarified that he did not realize the bat was real and that he had to undergo rabies shots afterward. The video of the incident, taken by the Des Moines Register, confirms this occurrence, as does an interview with the fan, Mark Neal, who threw the bat on stage.
Another Version of Events?
Some sources claim that the incident was a dove, not a bat. In these accounts, it is stated that a dove was in Ozzy's pocket during a meeting with record executives. When the dove died in his pocket, he bit its head off in a misguided attempt to release it. While this version has some factual evidence, it remains largely disputed and less widely accepted than the bat incident.
Was the Bat Already Dead?
Mark Neal, the fan who threw the bat on stage, claims that it was dead when he brought it to the concert. He says his brother had been trying to nurse a sick bat back to health, but the bat did not survive. On the other hand, Ozzy Osbourne has always maintained that the bat was alive and was part of an elaborate prop, similar to rubber snakes, rats, and tarantulas he had previously sent out into the audience. The bat was part of his stage persona, and he later released a plush bat keychain with his logo and a detachable head.
The Record Deal Incident
In relation to the bat incident, there is an urban legend surrounding a supposed meeting with CBS Records. It is said that Ozzy Osbourne brought two live doves to the meeting and intentionally bit their heads off due to a failed record deal. However, there is little evidence to support this story, and it is largely considered a myth.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the bat incident, it has become a significant part of Ozzy Osbourne's legacy. His controversial acts, including the bat incident, have contributed to his status as one of the most iconic and controversial figures in rock music.
In conclusion, while the bat incident during Ozzy Osbourne's concert in Des Moines, Iowa, on January 20, 1982, has been debated, the video evidence and accounts from Mark Neal support the fact that Ozzy Osbourne did indeed bite a bat. Regardless of the truth behind the event, it remains a controversial and memorable moment in rock history.