1982 2LP Gatefold Original With Custom Black Vampire Bat Inner Sleeves. In the 1982 live album "Speak of the Devil," Ozzy Osbourne offers a visceral retrospective on his tenure with Black Sabbath, delivering a collection that both honors and reinvents the heavy metal staples that defined an era. Captured amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the early '80s, when Osbourne was forging his path post-Sabbath, this record is a raw, unfiltered testament to his enduring influence in the genre. The album, recorded over two nights at The Ritz in New York City, features a lineup of talented musicians including guitarist Brad Gillis, bassist Rudy Sarzo, and drummer Tommy Aldridge, who together channel the ominous energy and dark grandeur that have become synonymous with Osbourne’s legacy. The live performances on "Speak of the Devil" are imbued with an electrifying immediacy, capturing the frontman's inimitable charisma and vocal prowess as he revisits classics such as "War Pigs," "Paranoid," and "Iron Man" with renewed fervor.

Though some may argue that the album lacks the studio polish that characterized the original Black Sabbath recordings, it compensates with an intensity and spontaneity that can only be achieved in a live setting. Critics and fans alike have noted how "Speak of the Devil" distills the raw, unrefined essence of Osbourne's stage presence, offering an immersive experience that is both nostalgic and invigorating. Central to the album’s appeal is its ability to capture the chaotic energy of Osbourne's live shows, where the boundaries between artist and audience blur in a dynamic exchange. The album stands as a compelling document of a pivotal moment in Ozzy Osbourne’s career, celebrating his indelible impact on heavy metal while simultaneously asserting his independence as a formidable solo artist. In "Speak of the Devil," Osbourne not only pays homage to his roots but also reasserts his position at the forefront of the genre he helped pioneer.