Yes, Black Sabbath ( Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward) fired Osbourne in 1979 over his substance abuse and an overall disinterest in doing anything with the band. They replace Ozzy with Ronnie James Dio, ushering in the "Heaven and Hell" era—and the longstanding rumor that Ozzy held a grudge against Dio. But is that true?

NEW YORK (AP) — There are pioneering music figures, and then there is Ozzy Osbourne, the larger-than-life frontman of Black Sabbath, whose personal mythology is eclipsed only by the strength and immortality of his songs.

In an emotional essay, Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler reflected on playing with Ozzy Osbourne for the final time.