Lemmy Kilmister

The frontman of Motörhead, was known for his distinctive gravelly voice, powerful bass playing, and rebellious attitude. Motörhead delivered a raw sound, blending heavy metal, speed metal, and punk rock, creating a unique style that Lemmy always insisted was simply “rock and roll.” At Donington 1986, Motörhead delivered an explosive performance, as expected, with hits like “Iron Fist,” “Ace of Spades,” and “Overkill.” The sight of a bomber plane flying over the stage during Motörhead’s set was one of the unforgettable highlights of the day, even if Lemmy himself was reportedly not in the best of moods.

Ozzy Osbourne

The “Prince of Darkness” and former frontman of Black Sabbath, is an undeniable icon of heavy metal. With his dramatic stage presence and unique interactions with the audience, Ozzy always knew how to ignite the atmosphere. At Donington 1986, Ozzy delivered a stellar performance, backed by a talented band, including Jake E. Lee on guitar. He brought out classic tracks from his solo career like “Bark at the Moon” and “Crazy Train,” along with some Black Sabbath anthems such as “Iron Man” and “Paranoid.” Ozzy was even lowered onto the stage on a massive throne, creating a striking visual.

The Relationship Between Lemmy and Ozzy

While both were monumental figures in the rock world and present at Donington 1986, the relationship between Lemmy and Ozzy ran much deeper. They were close friends for decades.

Ozzy once shared that Lemmy was a very difficult person, but that was also what he loved about him. They toured Europe together when Randy Rhoads was in Ozzy’s band, and Lemmy would often drag Randy along to play “Asteroids” wherever they went. This close friendship led to musical collaborations. Lemmy co-wrote several songs for Ozzy, most notably the track “Hellraiser” from Ozzy’s 1991 album “No More Tears.” Later, a special version of “Hellraiser” was released, featuring vocals from both Ozzy and Lemmy, a testament to their friendship and musical synergy.

The 1986 Monsters of Rock festival was not just a milestone in the careers of Lemmy and Ozzy but also a testament to the enduring power of rock music. These two men, with their strong personalities and extraordinary musical talent, left an indelible mark on millions of fans worldwide.