February 20th, 2010

I Am Ozzy ~ Book Signing In La Jolla

The Prince of Darkness has done it again. From Black Sabbath, to solo artist, Grammy Award winner, OzzFest, The Osborne’s…. the Madman Ozzy Osborne can now add to his repetoir, author.

I Am Ozzy was released in the US in January and the book signing tour was right behind it. Last night Warwick’sin La Jolla hosted the book signing for the Godfather of Heavy Metal from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

So, call me crazy. Just going off the rails on my Crazy Train. Of COURSE I could not miss this for the world. For as long as I can remember, I have been a huge Ozzyfan. Then combine that with my favorite pass time-reading? I am all over it! I was so excited since I heard he was coming, I was beside myself.  I really wondered what time I needed to be there to stand in line. 6 am? 4 am? Were there really that many people that would go?

First I must say kudos to Warwick’sof La Jolla. They were extremely professional and had this thing planned to a T. I had called the store to find out what the process was going to be. They were selling books over the phone and with that, you received a ticket lettered from A-Z with a number following. You would then be called into the store based on your letter of the alphabet. I bought my book, got the letter X! (Obviously quite a few people wanting to do this!)

As we pulled close to the store, we could see the crowd of people on the street and Ozzy blaring from the car stereos surrounding us. Everyone was excited. I had to get out. I had to be among them! My husband let me out and I ran across the street to get my book. I walked to the front of the store, listening to the stories being told, the Ozzy look alike’s, everyone signing along with the songs. Everyone was extremely excited. The ages ranging from 6 months to 80+, the fans came to see.

When I got there they were on letter B. I got into the short line to pick up my book and was able to see Ozzy in the store signing the books. Unfortunately, I left my husband in charge of the camera so I could direct all my attention to Ozzy and he was parking the car. I made my way out to the street to find my camera man. We found each other and just began to mingle. It was fun to compare stories, hear everyones memories of Ozzy in their lifetime. We went back to see if we could get some shots.

The time moved quickly and soon enough we were at letter X! In to the store we go! I kept playing over in over in my mind what I was going to say to him, let him know how I have loved him forever….I was like a little girl! I was nervous! So silly, really. I can talk to anyone, anywhere! The closer we got, the more nervous I got. The Warwick’s staff was giving instruction, have your book open, move along, don’t linger….OMG, it is almost my turn! I get to the table, hand over my book and can’t think of a thing to say! My husband was busy taking pictures, I was in awe. I finally managed to get out of my mouth “So Ozzy, did you ever think you would write a book?”

Ozzy looked up at me, raised his eyebrows, gave me a smile and (I think) said “Aw, No. No. No Man!”