Impromptu Tri-Cities tribute tonight to Ozzy Osbourne, ‘the definition of a rock star’
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- Ray’s Golden Lion hosts tribute night honoring Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy in metal.
- Tri-Cities fans and local creators celebrate Osbourne’s influence on music, pop culture.
- Event reflects Richland venue’s tradition of appreciation for music icons.
Richland’s iconic live music venue Ray’s Golden Lion invited the community to raise a glass and the volume Tuesday night in a farewell to heavy metal pioneer Ozzy Osbourne.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer and songwriter died Tuesday at age 76.
The owners of Ray’s wasted no time in pulling together an event to honor Osbourne’s life and legacy.
Tri-Cities fan, Trystan Burleigh, has been listening to Osbourne since childhood.
The local rock historian and content creator with a strong social media following with the handle @unholy.alternative attended Osbourne’s final public appearances. It was during his 2024 solo induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
“I got flown out there to witness one of my favorite artists of all time getting inducted,” Burleigh told the Tri-City Herald.
“He was wheeled out on this Gothic, bat-inspired throne, and Jack Black introduced him. The only thing I got to hear him actually perform was his famous ‘All aboard!’ at the beginning of ‘Crazy Train’ but just being near that energy was unforgettable.”
Burleigh said his legacy comes down to doing everything “turned up to 11.”
Ray’s Golden Lion’s impromptu tribute on July 22 was open to those 21 and over and featured a curated selection of tracks from Ozzy’s expansive discography, including hits from his solo career and Black Sabbath days.
“When they released Black Sabbath’s first album in 1970, it was the birth of heavy metal, no one was doing music like that,” Burleigh said. “And then his solo career took off with hit after hit. Later, he even started The Osbournes, which was the blueprint for modern reality TV. He’s the definition of a rock star.”
Organizers say that whether you’re a die-hard metal head or a causal fan, the playlists promised something for everyone who’s ever been moved by the Prince of Darkness.
Founded in the 1960s, Ray’s has long been a cornerstone of the Tri-Cities live music scene. Known for its eclectic lineup and gritty charm, it’s hosted everything from punk shows to poetry nights serving as a hub for local creativity and culture.
After reopening under new ownership in recent years, the venue has continued its tradition of honoring music legends and bring the community together through themes events and tributes.
For Burleigh, tribute nights like that are more than just nostalgic, they’re essential.
“Spaces like Ray’s matter. The metal community isn’t mainstream, especially in more agricultural towns like ours,” he said. “Having a place where fans can come together and celebrate someone they love, it brings people together in a way that doesn’t happen enough anymore.”
He encourages those new to Osbourne’s music to dive in with curiosity.
“Start with the top three songs from his solo career, then do the same for Black Sabbath. You’ll probably recognize something from a sporting event or a video game,” he said. “And if you like it, go through the albums chronologically. It’s a killer time.”
This story was originally published July 22, 2025 at 5:56 PM.