The Story Behind Ozzy Osbourne And Johnny Cash’s Unlikely Friendship

Although they came from two different genres of music, these icons had similar rebellious souls.

According to multiple reports Ozzy Osbourne and Johnny Cash met at the Betty Ford Clinic in the 1980s. The Betty Ford Center is an acclaimed addiction treatment center co-founded by former First Lady Betty Ford in 1982.

If the reports are to be believed then the two were both getting treatment when they became friends.

Osbourne allegedly said,

“He was just so cool. I mean, here’s this guy who’s done everything I’ve done — drugs, booze — but he still had this aura about him. He gave me hope.”

After Ozzy Osbourne’s death at the age of 76, only two weeks after his final concert, Cash’s son posted a throwback photo that seemingly confirms the friendship reports.

“A whole lifetime has passed since this night. My father @johnnycash knew @ozzyosbourne and dad actually went to the concert with us. I was a monstrous heavy metal fan and Ozzy was my favorite vocal artist.”

According to Cash’s son the pair had met on multiple occasions allowing their kids to know each other personally.

“This was actually the second time I met him. Unforgettable memory! May the music live on forever! With #jasondickson @thomasgabrielofficial @sirdouglasofthe and various other 1980’s children of the night!”

WATCH: Ozzy Osbourne’s Reaction To His Daughter Getting Engaged At His Iconic Final Concert

Ozzy Osbourne Talks Going Country

Although Cash might have inspired Osbourne and given him “hope” at one point, the rock star did not take it as far as wanting to be country.

When asked point blank if he would be country one day Osbourne said,

“Not me, thank you. Personally, I think you should stick to what you know best. If Steven [Tyler]’s having a good time with it, who am I to complain? But it would be absurd for me to do that. I don’t mind country, but the ‘Prince of Darkness’ with a cowboy hat? I’m a rock & roller, not a fucking country bumpkin.”