Lita Ford And The Fierce Phone Call From Ozzy Osbourne That Led To A Career-Defining Duet

April 3, 2025

Lita Ford was feeling the pressure. As a talented guitarist and singer, she had fought hard to carve her own path in the rock music world, especially as a woman in a predominantly male industry. Her solo career was gaining momentum after her success with the all-female band The Runaways, but she still longed for that breakthrough hit that would elevate her status to a new level. Little did she know that a fierce phone call from the legendary Ozzy Osbourne would change everything.

One crisp afternoon in the fall of 1987, Lita was at home, scribbling lyrics and strumming her guitar, when the phone rang. The voice on the other end was unmistakable. It was Ozzy himself, the Prince of Darkness, calling to discuss a potential collaboration. At first, Lita was overwhelmed, her heart racing as she realized who was on the line. But that excitement quickly turned to disbelief as Ozzy challenged her. He was blunt and demanding, insisting that she put her all into the duet they were about to create, a song called “Close My Eyes Forever.”

The call was intense. Ozzy pushed Lita to tap into her deepest emotions and to express raw vulnerability through her music. At moments, it felt like a test, a trial to see if she was truly ready to step up alongside a rock icon. Despite feeling intimidated, Lita’s passionate spirit ignited. She could feel the weight of the opportunity in her bones. This wasn’t just about making a song; it was about proving herself, not only to the world but to herself. With every word exchanged, she felt her doubts begin to fade, replaced by a fierce determination to rise to the occasion.

When they finally met to record the song, the chemistry between them was electric. Lita’s voice soared as she harmonized with Ozzy, creating a haunting melody that would soon captivate listeners everywhere. The passion and energy they poured into “Close My Eyes Forever” shone through the track, elevating it to become a classic in rock music. Released in 1988, the song climbed the charts and resonated with fans, showcasing Lita’s talent in a way she had always dreamed of. The respect she gained from both fans and critics was powerful, and suddenly she was at the forefront of the rock scene in a way she had always hoped for.

That fierce phone call and the subsequent collaboration did more than just launch Lita’s career to new heights—it reignited her love for music. She discovered that vulnerability was a strength, and that sharing her true self through her art could create connections that transcended the stage. Lita’s resilience, paired with Ozzy’s iconic presence, formed a duet that not only defined a pivotal moment in her career but also inspired countless others to pursue their dreams fiercely. In the years that followed, Lita Ford would continue to rock the world, fueled by the lessons learned from that intense phone call, proving that with passion and determination, anything is possible.