‘The Ozzy tape I never played’: A little piece of rock history, found in an attic | Ents & Arts News
A recently rediscovered recording from January 1980 offers a rare glimpse into the early days of Ozzy Osbourne’s post-Black Sabbath band, which would soon become a cornerstone of heavy metal. The tape, unearthed by a fan known as Chabby, captures a jam session featuring Osbourne alongside Bob Daisley, and, though the drummer is yet unidentified, it predates the arrival of Lee Kerslake.
The Genesis of a Metal Legend
The recording surfaced as Daisley, now the sole surviving original member alongside Osbourne, listened to it over the phone. He immediately recognized Osbourne’s voice and placed the session in the weeks before Kerslake joined the group. Daisley described the session as potentially an audition or simply “clowning about,” but confirmed it wasn’t a formal rehearsal for a specific song, as they already had several compositions in progress.
Within nine months of these informal sessions, the band released Blizzard of Ozz in September 1980, launching Osbourne’s successful solo career. Daisley meticulously documented his musical journey through diaries and rehearsal recordings, though he doesn’t possess a copy of the Chabby tape himself.
Early Performances and a Rural Setting
The band tested their material in a unique setting: a small performance at a local pub in Ilketshall, inviting a select audience to gauge their reaction. Daisley recalled a positive response, noting, “it felt good and we thought yep, yeah, What we have is working.” The band found the Suffolk countryside to be a pleasant environment, describing it as a “nice place, nice countryside, nice people.”
Life in the old farmhouse wasn’t without its quirks. Daisley fondly remembered band members repeatedly bumping their heads on the low beams, eliciting shouts of “Doof – ‘Oh!’”. Osbourne also reportedly drew a black eye on himself with eyeliner after a minor disagreement with some locals, providing a moment of levity.
A Sense of Destiny and Subsequent Challenges
Despite warnings about Osbourne’s struggles with substance abuse, Daisley felt a strong connection to the project. He stated, “something in me told me, it felt sort of destined… I really felt like, you know, this didn’t just happen. It was meant to happen.” He acknowledged Osbourne’s difficult period following his departure from Black Sabbath, describing it as a “divorce,” but also recognized the “magic” within the new musical collaboration.
However, this harmony proved short-lived. Disputes arose regarding songwriting credits and the band’s branding, with Daisley believing the project should have been named “Blizzard of Ozz” rather than presented as a solo effort by Osbourne. Osbourne’s autobiography offered a differing account. Daisley and Kerslake were ultimately dismissed from the band in 1981, though Daisley later contributed to Osbourne’s album Bark at the Moon and other projects.
Daisley expressed deep sadness upon learning of Kerslake’s death in 2020 after a battle with prostate cancer, and shared that he “shed tears” when he heard about Osbourne’s recent health issues. He reflected on the positive memories, creativity, and the widespread impact of their music.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the band’s performance at the local pub?
The band played at the local pub in Ilketshall to try out their new songs and gauge the audience’s reaction.
What lasting memory does Bob Daisley have of the farmhouse where they rehearsed?
Daisley remembers the low beams in the farmhouse, which band members frequently bumped their heads on.
What happened between Bob Daisley and Ozzy Osbourne after the initial success of Blizzard of Ozz?
Daisley and Kerslake were fired in 1981 following disputes over credits and the band’s name, though Daisley later rejoined for other projects.
Do you think unearthed recordings like this one can offer new insights into the creative processes of established artists?