In a recent interview on the Mike Gallagher Show, legendary entertainer Pat Boone opened up about his surprising and heartfelt friendship with heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne—his former next-door neighbor.
The connection began in the late 1990s when Boone recorded a swing-style cover of Osbourne’s iconic hit “Crazy Train” for his unconventional heavy metal album. The rendition reimagined rock anthems with big band arrangements—and to Boone’s surprise, shortly after releasing the album, Osbourne moved in next door.
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“I had already recorded his song,” Boone recalled. “Then here comes Ozzy shuffling down the sidewalk to get in an Escalade, and that’s how we met.” Osbourne introduced himself, casually mentioning he was on his way to an AA meeting and would have some tea when he got back. From there, a friendship blossomed.
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Boone fondly remembers Osbourne as nothing like his public persona. “We call him the ‘Prince of Darkness,’ but I found him to be a prince of kindness,” Boone said, emphasizing the rock legend’s deep love for his wife Sharon and their children. Despite the satanic imagery associated with Osbourne’s stage act, Boone insists it clashed with the man’s actual beliefs and demeanor. “He was a gentle soul,” Boone said.
The connection even extended professionally: Boone’s version of “Crazy Train” became the opening theme for “The Osbournes,” the family’s reality TV show. Boone noted the irony with warmth: “Here I was doing the theme song for my next-door neighbor’s show.”
Reflecting on their time as neighbors, Boone said, “Ozzy was an actor. His image didn’t reflect his personal life.”
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For Boone, the unexpected bond served as a reminder not to judge people by their public personas but by their hearts.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
