The Rock & Roll Gangster Who Was Ozzy Osbourne’s Father-In-Law: The Story of Don Arden

Some of the most feared gangsters and crime lords in history include Pablo Escobar, Al Capone, Whitey Bulger, and John Dillinger. Though, one name that could be added to that list is the rock ‘n’ roll manager and the father-in-law of Ozzy Osbourne, Don Arden. Not actually, but Don Arden remains arguably the most feared man to ever work in the music business.

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Don Arden started his prolific career as a music manager in the 60s after signing American singer Gene Vincent. Arden continued to sign clients and, throughout the years, ended up with a roster that included musical acts such as Small Faces, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Electric Light Orchestra, and Black Sabbath.

Given the results and the notoriety of his clients, it is fair to say that Don Arden was pretty good at his job. However, the means by which he performed at such a high level were reportedly unethical. Matter of fact, through his career, Arden garnered nicknames such as “Godfather of Rock” and “Al Capone of pop.”

A Look Into Some of Don Arden’s Nefarious Business Tactics

Don Arden was one of the biggest managers at the height of rock ‘n’ roll. Hence, he worked in the same circles as some of the biggest names in the business. And given his methods, he also threatened some of the biggest names in the business.

Unrelated to Ozzy and Arden’s daughter, Sharon Osbourne, Arden once dangled Robert Stigwood, the manager of the Bee Gees, after he tried to steal the Small Faces from Arden. In addition to that tale, Arden also threatened Jimmy Page and Keith Moon when they were looking to form a band. Specifically, they wanted Steve Marriott to leave the Small Faces and join them. Arden, appropriate to his character, allegedly sent this message to the two rock stars: “How would you like to play in a band with broken fingers,” per Rolling Stone.

While those stories are surely deserving of the titles Don Arden received, the worst one has to do with Sharon Osbourne. After Black Sabbath booted Ozzy Osbourne due to his substance abuse, Arden wanted to become his manager. Although, Sharon Osbourne beat him to it. Subsequently, Arden reportedly had his pet dogs attack Sharon when she came and visited him. That story has never been confirmed, but Sharon Osbourne was estranged from her father for roughly two decades.

The music business is a business that breeds unique characters. However, who would have thought that it would have given birth to a musical crime lord?

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