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Ozzy launches his solo career

1980

Once Ozzy had left Black Sabbath, his friend Sharon Arden (later his manager/wife) saw an opportunity and encouraged him to begin his solo career. Ozzy had heard of a young virtuoso guitarist named Randy Rhoads who had been causing quite a commotion on the LA rock scene. Ozzy asked him to an audition for his new band and after five minutes of Randy's playing hired him on the spot. Even though there was considerable doubt about whether Ozzy would be able to make it as a solo artist, the resulting partnership spawned the ground breaking 'Ozzy Osbourne's Blizzard of Oz' and 'Diary of a Madman'. Unfortunately their career together was tragically cut short when Randy was killed in a plane crash witnessed by Ozzy and Sharon.

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I was there

  • Bob Daisley

    Musician

    Played bass and gong, sang backing and harmony vocals and co-produced Blizzard of Oz.

  • Lee Kerslake

    Musician

    Played drums, percussion, bells and tympani and co-produced Blizzard of Oz.

Never Say Die - Heavy Metal 1970-1991

The story of the longest surviving and certainly the loudest genre of rock, heavy metal

 

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  • Joe Halstead - Solihull
    September 1980 - I was 15. Had a streaming cold, but went with 3 mates to see Ozzy at St. Georges Hall in Blackburn. I'd been too young to see the Never Say Die tour so this was it. Here he was a few feet in front of me. Arms held aloft with the twin peace signs. It was the most amazing night of my life. Ozzy was amazing, Rhodes was beyond superb. I was there!



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