The Secret Behind Ozzy Osbourne’s Throne: It Was Built by a Magician

 

One of Ozzy Osbourne’s most memorable stage props had an unexpected connection to the world of magic.

During Ozzy’s 1982 Diary of a Madman tour, the legendary Birmingham rocker appeared seated upon an enormous theatrical throne. The prop also appeared on the cover of his live album Speak of the Devil, becoming part of Ozzy’s unmistakable visual identity during that era.

But this was no ordinary chair. It was a working stage illusion created by veteran American magician and illusion builder Charles “Kirk” Kirkham.

From an Ice Show to Heavy Metal History

The throne was not originally designed for Ozzy Osbourne. Kirkham and his family first constructed it in 1976 for a touring Ice Capades production.

After several years of regular use, the prop was placed into storage. When someone connected with Ozzy’s production contacted Kirkham in need of something dramatic, practical and capable of being prepared quickly, the magician realized the existing throne could be transformed for the rock star.

The exterior was refurbished, the mechanical components were updated and the armrests were altered to accommodate Ozzy comfortably.

Kirkham’s son Richard, who assisted with the project, later served as the primary test subject while the family adjusted the chair and tested its hidden mechanism.

Ozzy’s Magical Appearance

The oversized throne was constructed around a smaller internal structure in which Ozzy could remain concealed. The outer portion could then be displayed in a way that made the throne appear empty.

When it was time for Ozzy to make his entrance, an electronically activated smoke device positioned near the front of the throne released a cloud of smoke. Ozzy would then appear dramatically from within the structure.

Although the presentation fit perfectly with Ozzy’s dark and theatrical image, the secret behind it came directly from the traditions of stage magic and illusion.

Richard and his brother proudly told their friends that their family had worked on Ozzy’s throne, although they were never able to obtain tickets to see it performed live. The family eventually watched footage of the illusion on the American television program Entertainment Tonight.

The Work of Charles “Kirk” Kirkham

Kirkham spent decades as a performer and builder of professional magic equipment. Based in California, he designed illusions and theatrical effects for magicians, television productions and live entertainment.

Richard grew up surrounded by these unusual creations and sometimes appeared as an assistant and performer in his father’s shows. Following Kirkham’s death in 2001 at the age of 75, many of his props found their way into museums and private collections.

Ozzy Osbourne’s throne remains a fascinating example of the relationship between rock concerts and theatrical magic. What audiences saw as an unforgettable heavy-metal entrance was, behind the smoke, a carefully engineered magician’s illusion with an earlier life in an ice-skating show.

It is another reminder that magicians and illusion builders have influenced far more than traditional magic shows. Their secretive work can be found throughout concerts, television, movies, amusement parks and some of entertainment history’s most iconic moments.

This article was independently written using information originally reported by BBC News. Full credit for the original reporting goes to the BBC.