A Black Sabbath tribute band say they’ll keep performing after Ozzy’s death to honour his memory.
The heavy metal legend died aged 76 on Tuesday (22 July), just weeks after reuniting with his Black Sabbath bandmates – Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward – and performing in a huge farewell concert for fans on 5 July.
Andy Sayers has been a member of Sabbotage Black Sabbath Tribute for ten years and says the news of the singer’s death hit the band hard.
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The 65-year-old has been an Ozzy fanatic since he was a child.
Guitarist Andy, who plays Tommy Iommi, says they want to continue performing to honour the star’s memory.
Other members of the band include Ozzy impersonator, Tony Peacok, 58, bass player, Ray Bowes, 52, and drummer, Dave Hayward, 48.
“It’s important to carry on because a lot of people love Black Sabbath music and hearing it performed live,” Andy, from Bristol, told Need To Know.
“Me and Tony discussed him passing away because it hits us hard.
“We watched his final concert two weeks ago.
“You could see a big difference in him from the previous times he’s been on stage.
“That must have taken a lot of bearing in mind his condition.
“We thought he had years left, and it’s so sad that it was so soon after the concert.
“The band were blindsided by it, and it’s a weird feeling because he was a huge part of our lives.
“There was always a chance that one would die at some point, and God forbid anyone do so anytime soon.
“We’ll soldier on and we’re keen to respect Sabbath and Ozzy’s legacy, and we’ll continue to do that.
“It’s important to all four members of the band to honour him.”
Andy was in another Black Sabbath tribute band before he formed Sabbotage.
He performs 48 gigs a year at venues and festivals around the country.
Andy also works as a civil servant.
The group are planning to perform gigs to raise funds for Parkinson’s disease treatment, with Ozzy having been diagnosed five years ago.
The band hopes that his death won’t affect their career.
Andy added: “I’m not really worried because the band haven’t been active for a long time.
“Not many bands have all four original members left.
“People are becoming more aware of us now.
“We do all we can to be as authentic as we can, and it’s a good night out.
“The tribute scene is quite buoyant, so that keeps bands like us going and seeing the real thing is costly.
“I love being in the band and will do it until I retire.”
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