In anticipation of Ozzy Osbourne’s book signing tonight at the Center City Borders, Julia West chats with the man behind the mess. Watch Critical Mass this afternoon for a chance to win a copy of I Am Ozzy.
ozzy.com
In his new tell-all autobiography, Ozzy Osbourne — a man whose life has been made public for decades — reveals some surprising details about his past. (Did you know the Prince of Darkness gets scared at horror movies?) Sure, there’s the drugs, the women, the band fights, run-ins with the law, and that damn bat. But perhaps the most shocking secret Ozzy discloses in I Am Ozzy is that, despite popular belief that he must have been spawned in the depths of hell by some fanged, cloven-hoofed creature, Ozzy was actually raised in a small English town called Aston. Which means that at some point, Ozzy was just a regular kid. And that fact is more perplexing than any fantasy.
City Paper: Your autobiography is written to sound like you’re speaking directly to the reader. Is this supposed to add a personal feeling to your book? Ozzy Osbourne: I didn’t actually sit down with a pad and paper, I did interviews and then a bit of writing. I asked [co-author Chris Ayers] about that, and he said he wanted to make it sound like it’s me talking.
CP: So are you trying to put yourself on a closer level with your fans and your readers? OO: I’ve never tried to be anything but. When I go on stage and I say “I love you,” I really mean it. I’m not just saying it to be a nice guy. They’re the whole reason for me being here. There’s no mystique, I’ve always had a love for my audience. And when I can’t do a good show I get pissed off.
CP: How difficult was it after all the years and all the drugs to remember and re-create some of the events that took place in your life? For instance, there’s a moment in the book when you and your roadie Frank are in a bathroom trying to get rid of a dozen grams of coke not by flushing it, but by snorting it all while the cops are en route. OO: I’m not a guy who would forget something like that. It’s not everyday you’re stuck in a bathroom thinking you’re about to get busted for drugs because you’ve got bags of coke or whatever. Click For More »
“Baltimore, you forgot my birthday?
I feel like Molly Ringwald in Sixteen Candles,
but with no promise of Jake Ryan.”
Ever year on Edgar Allan Poe’s birthday — that would be today, January 19 — some random Baltimore-ian leaves a birthday offering of a bottle of cognac and roses on the author’s original grave site. But, as the Baltimore Sun reports:
This is the first time since Jan. 19, 1949 that the person, whose identity is unknown, failed to arrive, said Jeff Jerome, curator of the Edgar Allan Poe House.
“I was very annoyed,” he said.
Ahem, is Baltimore losing their Poe touch?
To Poe’s descendants: Philadelphians would be more than happy to give Poe’boy his birthday offering but cognac is on the expensive side. Think he’d be cool with a Lager?
Don’t know what to do tonight? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
— Why do some bands — like Evangelicals — give themselves names that make it nearly impossible for them to be searched online? (Girls is the ultimate abuser of this.) Contrary to what the image to the right suggests, Evangelicals makes hazy, upbeat pop with a lot of ever-building climaxes (evangelicals climaxing, hardy har!) It also strikes me as good coat weather music. They’re at Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St., 215-291-4919) at 8 p.m. for $8.
— And then you’ve got a few other options, depending on where your allegiances lie: There’s the Erotic Literary Salon at L’Etage (Sixth and Bainbridge streets, 215-592-0656) at 8:30 p.m. for $8-$10 if you’re hot under the collar; a touching reading by Say You’re One of Them author Uwem Akpan at the Free Library Central Branch (1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322) at 7:30 p.m. for free; and something about Fishtown jazz at 700 (Second and Fairmount streets, 215-413-3181) for free at 9 p.m. Align with who you will.
Not satisfied? Check out today’s listings for more and more and more events.
Every Thursday, we give you this week’s LGBTQ to-do list.
— Underground folk legend Alix Dobkin will be at Giovanni’s Room (345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960) on Fri., Nov. 13 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dobkin will be reading from her recently release memoir, My Red Blood: A Memoir of Growing Up Communist, Coming Onto the Greenwich Village Folk Scene, and Coming Out in the Feminist Movement (Alyson, $16.95). That’s one of the most daunting book titles I’ve ever seen, but I’m positive this event will be anything but. Dobkin has a lot to share: She recorded the first openly lesbian album (Lavender Jane Loves Women) in 1973; she was hailed in the Greenwich Village music scene in the fabulous ’60s; and she joined the Communist Party smack in the middle of the Red Scare. This lady has balls — OK, probably not, but she sounds super cool. The $10 admission is donation-based, but no one will be turned away due to lack of funds.
— I’m all about the books and protests this week, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take some time out to boogie. On Fri., Nov. 12 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., Marathon Grill (929 Walnut St., 215-733-0311) will open its loft for a dance party called BoyFuzion. From what I hear, the last gay party at Marathon Grill was an affair that shouldn’t have been missed. DJ Glitz will bring the tunes, so all you have to arrive with is the shimmies and the shakes. Oh, and $5.
— On Sat. Nov. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the 2nd Annual Queer Literary Festival is taking place for free at the Big Blue Marble Bookstore (551 Carpenter Lane, 215-844-1870). Event Coordinator Maleka Fruean created the festival because she saw a lack of gay book fairs in Philly and an influx of LGBTQ families in Mt. Airy. Check out my piece on it in this week’s Agenda section for more information.
— If you’re feeling especially outspoken this weekend, head out to show support for our gay brothers and sisters in Lancaster, who will be holding an LGBTQ Equality Protest on Sat., Nov. 14 from noon to 1 p.m. at Lancaster Market Square (King and Queen streets, Lancaster). The unfortunate turn of events regarding the defeat of Proposition 1 in Maine has spurred LGBTQ supportive citizens in Lancaster to speak out in a demonstration calling for equality and justice for all. They’re angry about what happened up north but “an even worse defeat,” they say, “would be to let the intolerant among us continue perverting our democratic process to protect their bigotry.” This may not turn out to be the largest protest you’ve seen, but every little bit counts. Preach it, Lancaster!
Don’t know what to do tonight? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
— If you wouldn’t mind being persuaded to give up meat (noooooo! not my meat! not me!), take Lauren F. Friedman’s advice and see Jonathan Safran Foer talk about his book Eating Animals, which she likens to a more hardcore Omnivore’s Dilemma. He seems like a charming, good-dad type of guy in the Ellen clip above, and will be at the Central Branch of the Free Library (1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341) at 7:30 p.m. for free.
— Americans in France are doing their noisy, girly punk thing at the M Room (15 W. Girard Ave., 215-739-5577) at 8 p.m. for $8.
— Or there’s the gay/fashion option: Rebecca Wilkinson of brazen undies line Ginch Gonch will lecture about her experience marketing the company, and hopefully show off some models in the product … at the Bossone Auditorium (3128 Market St., 215-895-6993) at 6:30 p.m. for free.
Not satisfied? Check out today’s listings for more and more and more events.
Don’t know what to do tonight? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
— I will always be indebted to Mallrats for teaching me what the Stink Palm is. Kevin Smith, the genius director behind that scene (as well as those in Chasing Amy and Clerks) will be performing tonight at the Merriam Theater (250 S. Broad St., 215-732-5446) at 8 p.m., for $39-$66.
— Think we don’t live in a post-sexist society just yet? (Think we do? You must not have been around for this.) Well, neither does fem Barbara J. Berg, who will read from her book Sexism in America: Alive, Well and Ruining Our Future at Wooden Shoe Books (704 South St., 215-413-0999) at 7 p.m. for free. Fans of Tucker Max not allowed.
— Speaking of people I’m indebted to … regardless of what Obama’s presidency is or will become, thank you, David Plouffe, for getting John McCain not elected. Prez Barack Obama’s chief campaign officer will be reading his new book, The Audacity to Win, at the Free Library (1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322) at 7:30 p.m., for $7-$14.
Every Thursday, we give you this week’s LGBTQ to-do list.
Before I begin, let me just say: Shame on you, Maine, for voting to repeal the state’s decision to allow gays to marry. I’m truly disappointed. I thought you were cool.
OK, moving on …
— On Fri., Nov. 6 at 5:30 p.m., for a $20 donation, Giovanni’s Room(345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960) is hosting a Philly Drag Poetry soiree to benefit the Global Women’s Strike. A diverse group of nine artists will be reciting their poetry while clad in drag. The best part is that these performers aren’t professional drag queens and kings … so be ready to see a room full of hot mess (and I mean that kindly). It’ll be hilarious. Among the most well known participants is Eleanor Wilner, famed author and recipient of a prestigious MacArthur Foundation Fellowship.
— If dancing is on your agenda this weekend, you should head to Rise & Fall atStir (1705 Chancellor St., 215-732-2700) on Fri., Nov. 6 at 9 p.m. for a free dance party that’s going to tear the walls down — literally. Held in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the falling of the Berlin Wall, Stir has invited German DJ Ipek Ipekcioglu (pictured) to spin a sexed-up set of Middle Eastern beats mixed with gritty Berlin elektro. This edgy mix of tunes will be a welcome break from the same old same old mash-up of pop divas you hear everywhere else. Wear something sexy like the cool German kids from one of my favorite fashion blogs, Still in Berlin.
— See what it’s like to be on a gay game show at Bike Stop (206 S. Quince St., 215-627-1662) on Thu., Nov. 12 at 6 p.m., byparticipating in the free Fetish Feud. Hosted by the fierce and feisty Crystal Tee Electra, the game is styled after the classic TV show Family Feud. You can form your “family” with your friends or be spontaneous and team up with strangers in the bar. Keep in mind that this event is centered around the annual Philadelphia Leather Weekend, so don’t be afraid if the strapped-up guy next to you bends over for a playful spanking.
— Don’t forget: The First Person Festival started this Wednesday. (Check out our A&E and Agenda sections for lots of FPF coverage.) There’s an exciting program of events scheduled at the Painted Bride Art Center (230 Vine St., 215-925-9914) that are taking place throughout the weekend. Among them is a reading of Sweet Tea on Sun., Nov. 8 at 6 p.m., for $12-$20, which Iwrote about in this week’s A&E section. I’ll also be stopping by Karaoke Obsessed on Fri. Nov. 6 at 9 p.m., for $15-$20, and the Still Bill screening on Sun., Nov. 8 at 7 p.m., for $20-$30. Check out Critical Mass throughout the week for a review of these haps and more.
Don’t know what to do tonight? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
— Dance from the Paleface show at the M Room (15 W. Girard Ave., 215-739-5577) at 8 p.m. to The Very Best show at Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave., 215-739-9684) at 9 p.m. The total cost will put you out about $18, but jigging from Paleface’s scruffy-voiced bluegrass to The Very Best’s groovy African pop will put you in that unstoppable dance-party high for hours.
— Eddie Sarfaty, a gay writer and comedian who just released the book Mental: Funny in the Head, has been called the next David Sedaris. Which is kinda like being called the next gay God. He’s performing tonight at L’Etage (624 S. 6th St., 215-592-0656) at 8 p.m. for $20.
— It’s no mistake that that David Swanson published Daybreak: Undoing the Imperial Presidency and Forming a More Perfect Union, a book that criminalizes the Bush administration, in September of this year. He argues that Bush & Co. did such damage to our Constitutional rights that there’s still a whole lot of work to be done to get them back, even with President Obama in the house. He’ll be reading from his book tonight at Villanova University (800 Lancaster Ave., 610-519-6000) at 7:30 p.m. for free.
Every Thursday, we give you this week’s LGBTQ to-do list.
-Author Frederick Hertz will be at Giovanni’s Room (345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960) today, Sept. 24 at 5:30 p.m., reading from his book Making It Legal: A Guide to Same-Sex Marriage, Domestic Partnerships, and Civil Unions for free. Hertz, an attorney from Oakland, Calif., makes a living providing legal advice to gay couples about marriage, divorce and property ownership. Get ready to be informed.
-We’ve been hearing it for weeks, but on Fri., Sept. 25 at 11:30 p.m. Pure is officially transitioning into what’s being hyped as one of the most fab clubs in town, Voyeur Nightclub (1221 St. James St., 215-735-5772). The newly designed, multi-level club will be filled with tunes by DJ Dozia and DJ Tripp. You know you wanna be there. Everyone else will be.
-On Sun., Sept. 27 from noon to 4 p.m., Philly AIDS Thrift will be pulling their goods out onto the street for their So-So (South of South Street) Block Party and Flea Market. The area on Bainbridge between Fifth and Sixth streets will be flooded with thrifty threads, live music and local restaurant booths. Do it for the fun, do it for the cause. All proceeds go toward the AIDS Fund.
-A slew of queer, lady rockers and DJs will be infiltrating Tritone (1508 South St., 215-545-0475) on Sat., Sept. 26 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. for a $10 show that will surely rock you out of your skinny jeans. Among the list of performers will be Dangerous Ponies (pictured), Rachel Tension and DJ Lil Sis.
Lately, we’ve been interested in getting to the bottom of children’s authors and artists. (Remember our post on how we know Fraggle Rock so well, but we know Jim Henson not so much?) So we’re pretty excited for tonight’s reading by Evan Schwartz for $10 at the Gershman Y (401 S. Broad St., 215-446-3027) at 7 p.m., where he’ll be talking about his book Finding Oz. It explores the children’s author Lyman Frank Baum, whose classic tale The Wizard of Oz was turned into the beloved 1939 movie of the same name. Click here to check out a video featuring Schwartz, as well as some bizarre illustrations from the original book.
And on that brainy note, there will also be a reading by Amy Whitaker for free at 7 p.m. at the Moonstone Arts Center (110A S. 13th St., 215-735-9598) about museums and the art scene. And Pterodactyl (3237 Amber St., 5th floor, 215-501-7158), that Kenzo art space, is kicking off its classes this week on comic books and animal bone art and all sorts of other weird shit.
OK. That’s all. Those are the only smart things going on in the city.
Staff Blog
