Lamb Of God’s Randy Blythe has paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, thanking him for his assist when he confronted “critical authorized points” again in 2012.
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Blythe’s band have been amongst those that carried out at Black Sabbath‘s farewell gig ‘Again to the Starting’, which fell simply weeks earlier than Ozzy’s loss of life on Tuesday (July 22), aged 76. He now joins the scores of artists paying tribute to the heavy metallic icon, and, in his publish, thanked the late singer for standing up for him throughout a turbulent authorized time.
Again in 2012, Blythe was imprisoned within the Czech Republic for over a month following an incident at a Lamb of God present two years earlier, wherein a fan tragically died after falling off the stage.
Blythe thanked Ozzy for his assist all through that interval and the following trial, the place he was in the end acquitted. As he went on to relay to the Guardian, the prosecuting lawyer on the time “apparently didn’t like the truth that [Blythe] had been given bail”, so made an objection halting his launch, prompting Ozzy to intervene.
“Ozzy and Sharon each mentioned issues through social media in assist of me, however extra importantly, they wrote a letter to the decide testifying to my character and providing to throw an Ozzfest live performance in Prague, the proceeds from which might go to any desired charity,” he defined.
“They didn’t ask them to search out me not responsible, they only needed them to honour my bail. It’s not low-cost to placed on an Ozzfest, so the truth that they have been keen to try this, and stick up for a member of their prolonged musical household, speaks volumes to their character.”
He mirrored on the expertise on Instagram, writing: “Sure, Ozzy was a TRUE ROCK N’ ROLL MADMAN- they don’t construct ’em like him anymore. However I additionally knew him as a sort & light man who, alongside his household, did a lot for my band, & extra personally, spoke out publicly on my behalf once I was going through critical authorized points.
“When you find yourself in a overseas jail & inmates you don’t know come as much as you all of the sudden performing impressed & saying ‘Ozzy Osbourne says good issues for you!’ in damaged English… belief me, it makes a distinction. Thanks for that, mate.”
Chatting with NME earlier this yr, Blythe had heaped reward on Black Sabbath, who he outlined because the “first heavy metallic band” in existence.
“I don’t care what anyone says, heavy metallic was born in Birmingham, England, with 4 dudes: Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Invoice Ward and Ozzy Osbourne. For years now, each time we play Birmingham, I say: ‘Thanks, Black Sabbath for creating heavy metallic and giving me a job.’
“We toured with the unique line-up in 2004 on the Ozzfest. It was unimaginable and it got here at a essential time for Lamb Of God, as a result of it was our first main label launch [‘Ashes Of The Wake’], so our fanbase was increasing quickly. Then, in 2007, we have been each principal assist for Ozzy, after which joined the band for the ‘Heaven And Hell’ tour with Ronnie James Dio – so Sabbath has accomplished so much for our profession.”
In his tribute to Ozzy, Blythe shared plans to public sale of a signed pair of footwear for charity. There have been solely 121 pairs of the Adidas trainers made as a thanks to ‘Again to the Starting’ performers.
“I informed Ozzy I used to be going to public sale them off to additional profit the charities that the live performance raised cash for, & he was effectively happy by this,” the musician wrote. “And so I shall. That is how I wish to thank & honor him for all he did for music, my band, & myself. The footwear will probably be half of a bigger public sale that’s being organized proper now. Particulars quickly.”
