"Speak of the Devil" is a live album by Ozzy Osbourne, released on November 22, 1982. This album is unique in that it features live renditions of songs originally recorded by Black Sabbath, the band with which Osbourne first gained fame as the lead vocalist.
The album was recorded during two concerts at The Ritz in New York City on September 26-27, 1982. At that time, Ozzy's camp was pressured by a contractual obligation with Jet Records, his label, to deliver a live album. Initially, the plan was to feature recordings from his solo career. However, following the tragic death of guitarist Randy Rhoads, Ozzy decided to instead record a live album of Black Sabbath songs as a tribute to his past with the band.
The guitarist for these performances was Brad Gillis, who was brought in to replace Randy Rhoads. Other band members included Rudy Sarzo on bass, Tommy Aldridge on drums, and Don Airey on keyboards.
The album features classic Sabbath tracks such as "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath," "Iron Man," and "Paranoid." Despite being recorded quickly and under difficult circumstances, "Speak of the Devil" showcases Osbourne's distinctive vocal style and Gillis's guitar work, paying homage to the heavy metal legacy of Black Sabbath.
Commercially, the album achieved success, reaching No. 14 on the UK Albums Chart and gaining a devoted fan base for its raw and energetic live sound. While critical reception was mixed, "Speak of the Devil" remains an important piece of Osbourne's discography, highlighting a transitional moment in his career.
