Ozzy Osbourne surprised many when he revealed that his all‑time favorite song wasn’t one of his own tracks or something from Black Sabbath. Instead, he chose the haunting 1967 hit “A Whiter Shade of Pale” by Procol Harum. He said the song’s ethereal Hammond‑organ melody and melancholic tone move him deeply
. Despite naming The Beatles as his favorite band, Ozzy confessed he “even shocked myself by choosing the Procol Harum classic” over more obvious picks
He considered recording his own version when putting together his 2005 covers album Under Cover, but soon learned that Zakk Wylde, his former guitarist, had just recorded it with Black Label Society in 2004. Out of respect and timing considerations, Ozzy decided to scratch it from his album
. He later reflected that the song was so perfect he didn’t want to produce “a poor copy”
First released on May 12, 1967, “A Whiter Shade of Pale” became an instant classic, topping the U.K. singles chart for six weeks and reaching No. 5 in the U.S. It has sold over ten million copies worldwide and inspired more than a thousand cover versions, becoming one of the most enduring songs from the ’60s baroque‑pop era
. Its melody borrows from Bach and its emotional impact helped define the Summer of Love—Ozzy said hearing it still gives him chills
Ozzy’s admission shows a musical depth that extends far beyond blazing guitar riffs. Even as a pioneering heavy metal artist, he connected deeply with a dreamy, poetic song that feels worlds apart from his usual repertoire. For him, Procol Harum’s masterpiece wasn’t just another song—it was a work of art that resonated with his soul.
