According to TMZ, Ozzy Osbourne, and Uriah Heep drummer, Lee Kerslake has passed away. at age 73, after a long battle with cancer..
One of Kerslake’s bandmates from Uriah Heep broke the news Saturday, saying, “It’s with the heaviest of hearts that I share with you that Lee Kerslake, my friend of 55 years and the best drummer I ever played with, lost his battle with cancer at 3:30 this morning.”
Lee played with Ozzy’s band in 1980 and ’81 and on his solo albums — Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman. He also appeared in the 1987 Tribute Live album.
Kerslake’s struggle with illness was long and hard. He dropped out of Uriah Heep in 2018 … four years after getting a prostate cancer diagnosis back. His last performance was in London, when he appeared to join the group for Lady In Black.
After Kerslake revealed two years ago his prostate cancer was terminal and had spread to various organs, Ozzy sent him platinum records for Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman (see picture above) Kerslake had said he wanted them, and Ozzy fulfilled his wish.
On February 17th, 2020, EddieTrunk.com posted an interview Greg Prato of Bravewords with did with Kerslake. During the discourse, Kerslake revealed he was battling spinal and prostate cancer, but said, “it is in remission at the moment.” He also revealed that he had recently purchased himself an “an electronic drum kit, and [is] playing again, because I want to do two more shows with Uriah Heep .” Kerslake also discussed working on his solo album. Click here to read that interview.
Lee is survived by his wife, Sue.
RIP, Lee, see you “Over The Mountain.”
So happy for Lee that he received those platinum records that he so rightly deserved.
Lee was very talented, underrated, especially his work with Ozzy, he will be missed. 🙁
I only heard Kerslake from the 2 Ozzy albums as I have not listened to much of Uriah Heep, but he sounded solid on those two records.
Did Kerslake and Bob Daisley actually play live with Osbourne? Seems all the live clips I have seen from that time all feature Tommy Allridge and Rudy Sarzo.
Rob,
If I remember correctly from Bob’s boy For Facts Sake, which I highly recommend, Lee was instrumental in the writing process.
D
Rob:
Lee and Bob played live with Ozzy during the first leg of the blizzard of ozz tour in europe . They both got replaced right before the north american tour and right after recording diary of a madman.
My god what is it with drummers in 2020? That was the third one.
Love his drumming on the first two Ozzy albums and I have one Uriah Heep album, Demons and Wizards.
Charles, What other drummer’s are you referring? Not sure Im in the know. Thx
Doh! I forgot Neil died this year….I swear this has been the longest fu&%^* year, EVER!!
Yes, 2020 is the “Year of the Rat,” but not the good Ratt. Please refrain from Juan jokes 😉 .
Wondered how he was doing. The man laid down some creative, memorable licks & fills on the drums. Over the Mtn. and Diary are so tight. He had incredible chops. RIP