Ozzy Osbourne pays tribute to Lee Kerslake

Ozzy Osbourne has paid tribute to his former drummer Lee Kerslake, who died earlier today (19th September) aged 73 following a heroic battle with cancer.

Taking to social media, Ozzy shared a photo of himself during the 'Blizzard of Ozz' album recording sessions at Ridge Farm Studio in West Sussex back in 1980.

Ozzy wrote: “It’s been 39 years since I’ve seen Lee but he lives for ever on the records he played on for me, Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman. Lee Kerslake RIP”

After leaving Uriah Heep in 1978, Lee Kerslake joined Ozzy Osbourne’s Blizzard of Ozz band (which soon evolved into Ozzy’s solo project) alongside bassist Bob Daisley and guitarist Randy Rhoads in 1980.

He performed on Ozzy Osbourne’s first two albums ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ and ‘Diary of a Madman’ – however, alongside Bob Daisley he successfully sued Ozzy for royalties and credit for his work on ‘Diary of a Madman’ in 1986 before a 1998 lawsuit over unpaid performance royalties was dismissed.

The legal action left Kerslake bankrupt and the controversial 2002 reissues of 'Blizzard of Ozz' and ‘Diary of a Madman’ infamously removed Daisley and Kerslake’s parts with Robert Trujillo and Mike Bordin playing bass and drums. The parts were restored for the 2011 reissues.

Despite the bad blood, Lee Kerslake made peace with Ozzy Osbourne when he was told by doctors he had eight months to live in 2018. After Kerslake sent a letter, Ozzy sent his former drummer Platinum discs for ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ and ‘Diary of a Madman’ in early 2019.

Earlier today, Uriah Heep’s sole founding member Mick Box said: "Lee was one of the kindest men on earth, as well as being a brother he was an incredible drummer, singer and songwriter!

"He had a passion for life bar none and was much loved by the fans, as well as anyone who crossed his path! Rock in peace my friend and say hi to David,Gary, John and Trevor for me! Love Mick x"

Former Uriah Heep multi-instrumentalist Ken Hensley first broke the news of Lee Kerslake’s death, saying “My friend of 55 years and the best drummer I ever played with, lost his battle with cancer at 03:30 this morning.”

Other rock stars who have paid tribute to Lee Kerslake include KISS’s Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.

Gene Simmons said: “Sad to report Lee Kerslake has passed. A kind soul. Heep toured with us in the 70s. Lee always had a cheery “Hello” greeting. He will be missed!”

Paul Stanley commented: “Lee was a dynamo of a drummer who drove Uriah Heep through their heyday like a Crazy Train. He propelled Ozzy’s original band the same way. When last in London he came to visit although ill. A lovely man who fought cancer to the end with a smile. Rest My Friend.”

Also paying tribute, Rudy Sarzo said: “I am deeply saddened to hear Blizzard of Ozz and Uriah Heep founding member Lee Kerslake has passed away. I have wonderful memories of sharing many breakfasts with him while I was a member of DIO and we toured with Uriah Heep. Rest In Peace Lee.”

Photos - The late great Lee Kerslake:

RIP Lee Kerslake.

• Ozzy Osbourne
• uriah heep