For the love of the Ozzman, friends gathered together to mourn and celebrate the unique talents and charms of one John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne.

Peter Kerr stated, if you walked up to an average person and asked them to name one icon of heavy metal, they’re likely to answer “Ozzy Osbourne”.  As a founding member of Black Sabbath, whose 1970 debut is generally credited for creating “heavy metal”, Ozzy was on the ground floor as the voice and face of the founding fathers.  Ozzy deserves far more credit than we could shower on him in just 80 minutes.

Joining me was Peter Kerr from Rock Daydream Nation, his fellow countryman Ash Geisler, and Jake (Not From State Farm) in his live debut on Grab A Stack of Rock.  Each of us brought parts of our collections and stories of the ways in which Ozzy impacted our lives.  We also had a special video clip from Uncle Meat, on Ozzy’s effect on his life trajectory.

Each of us had some stacks of Ozzy rock to show.  Ash had some cool radio broadcast stuff and some interesting early CD pressings of Sabbath classics, not to mention a rare early Sabbath single in a picture sleeve.  Peter and Jake brought their Diary/Blizzard box sets, and some favourite records.  Mike provided Japanese imports, box sets, bonus tracks, and stories of discovery.

Peter came to us with some perspective from Bob Daisley, who he interviewed on Rock Daydream Nation.  Ozzy’s vocal prowess in the early days was emphasized, and we also addressed that final concert that everyone is still talking about.

We ended the show with Uncle Meat’s performance of “Fairies Wear Boots”, with his old band Heavy Cutting.

On a sad note, we also paid tribute to a cast member of the Grab A Stack Gang that we lost this week.  Yes, we didn’t just lose Ozzy, Hulk Hogan, Malcolm Jamal Warner, and Chuck Mangione.  We also lost the beloved, fan favourite Gimley the Cat.  I said a few words for Gimley, who was always by Rob Daniels’ side on his every appearance.  I am sorry for your loss Rob.

Thank you for joining us on this very special episode of Grab A Stack of Rock.  Next week:  back to 50 Years of Iron Maiden.