Ozzy Osbourne and Uriah Heep members remember drummer Lee Kerslake

by | Sep 21, 2020 | Sad News | 0 comments

 

 

Former Ozzy Osbourne and Uriah Heep drummer Lee Kerslake passed away on September 19th after a long battle of cancer. He was 73 years old. Kerslake joined Uriah Heep in 1971 and first appeared on the group’s 1972 record, Demons and Wizards. He left the band shortly after 1978’s Fallen Angel, which led him to work with Ozzy Osbourne’s debut album Blizzard of Ozz and his second record, Diary of a Madman. Following his success with Ozzy, Kerslake returned with Uriah Heep just in time for 1982’s Abominog and remained with the group until 2007.  

Members of Uriah Heep, Ozzy Osbourne and more, have paid tributes to the late drummer on social media:  

 

“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”

 

 

“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! This picture says it all! Love Mick x”

 

 

 

“What can I say that hasn’t been said Already. The guy with the big heart, who I had the immense pleasure of having worked with for so long, has left the building. Go on Lee, don’t know how I’ll ever forget you. One of the last things we laughed at was the old saying we knew so well… “hurry up and wait.” R.I.P. Lee Kerslake.”

 

 

 

“Well, where are the words to describe the feelings one has when you loose a friend, colleague , fellow band mate ( for 20 some odd years!) brother in arms, let alone when it’s someone larger than life like Lee Kerslake?

As well as one of the most revered yet under rated drummers in the world, Lee was also one of the main voices in Uriah Heep. Never dropped a note in all the years I worked with him.

We went on holidays together, as if working 200 days a year together wasn’t enough, he even moved in with me at my flat when he was rendered ‘homeless’ by a friends he had been bunking with in South London. We ate like Kings and drank like ….well, you get the idea.

As a person, he was generous to a fault. Always smiling and ready to entertain at the drop of a hat. Many a free drink was had after a show when he would get up and play with a local band at the nearest club we could find, and first up if there was someone with a fishing boat willing to take him out for the day.

That was Lee.

Now, he’s with his mates, John Bonham, Keith Moon, and the boys from Heep who’s already passed.

Is Heaven ready for Lee Kerslake?! Boy. There’s one hell of a party !!

Rock on Lee, you deserve it mate.

Will miss you..

Bernie”

 

 

 

 

We send our thoughts and condolences to Kerslake’s family and friends during this difficult time.

 

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Zenae Zukowski
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