Yesterday, British rock star Ozzy Osbourne passed away at the age of 76.
Here in Texas, we remember him for a particular incident which is emblematic of our state. The excellent history X account Traces of Texas describes it.
In 1982, while thoroughly intoxicated, Osbourne urinated on the Cenotaph, a monument to the Alamo martyrs which stands in front of the old chapel. He was arrested and, after his performance the following night, banned from performing in San Antonio for a decade.
Osbourne returned in 1992, profusely apologized for his act of defilement, donated $10,000 to the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (which maintains the site), and performed for two nights.
David Crockett famously said, "You can all go to hell and I'll go to Texas," before leaving Tennessee on his final journey into glory. Texas is a home of second chances and starting over. Ozzy Osbourne received his second chance and redemption for an impulsive act just a few yards from where Crockett fell. The official Instagram account for the Alamo mourns his passing with respect and kindness.
Photo: Focka used under Creative Commons license