I'm sure you were left shocked and stunned when you heard the news yesterday (Tuesday 22 July) that Ozzy has gone.
I guess even more so coming just weeks after the band played their farewell gig in front of 42,000 fans, in his home city of Birmingham at Villa Park.
The news is everywhere and everyone seems to be talking about it. Thanks if you contacted the show earlier to share your thoughts.
I chatted with Derek Holt, founder member of The Climax Blues Band yesterday, shortly after the news broke, who shared some of his memories of Ozzy.
"Ozzy lived at Bullrush cottage in Ranton, close to The Hand and Cleaver, he came in one night when I was there watching some friends in a Jazz band, we knew each other and he shouted ‘Holty’ get on that double bass! He was hilarious, wouldn’t take no for an answer, he marched me up to the bass player and insisted I play it, we’d both had a few bevvies, I played a song and struggled with the bass eventually getting blisters, it was great fun.
We also supported Sabbath in Kalamazoo Michigan in the mid 70’s, Mid Winter in an Ice Rink, Colder than cold!
Ozzy’s also had a wine bar just up the road in Newport, they were great days"
"A true Legend"
Over the years you may of heard many stories of Ozzy's 'exploits' while he lived here, like when he went off for a drink in town, his 'sit on' lawnmower transporting him between his home and The Hand & Clever frequently and also those gigs at Bingley Hall.
I played 'Changes' on the show earlier, the Black Sabbath song he covered with his daughter Kelly back in 2003. It was emotional.
Ozzy leaves behind his wife Sharon, their children Aimee, Kelly and Jack, as well as his two older children, Jessica and Louis, from his first marriage to Thelma Riley, and the grandchildren.
A man who once had a pint in The Grapes and has a Star in The Hollywood Walk Of Fame, as well as in Birmingham's Broad Street.
Rest in Peace Ozzy.
