Ozzy Osbourne drummer Lee Kerslake dies aged 73 after lengthy cancer battle

Lee Kerslake, former drummer for Ozzy Osbourne and band Uriah Heep, has died aged 73 after a battle with prostate cancer.

In a statement to Louder, Lee’s Uriah Heep bandmate Ken Hensley confirmed the drummer’s death in the early hours of Saturday morning.

It reads: “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 03:30 this morning.

“He died peacefully, praise The Lord, but he will be terribly missed.

“I know many of you were praying for him not to suffer and I thank you for that and, now that Lee is at peace, our thoughts and prayers should turn to his wife Sue who will need all the support she can get at this time.”

Ozzy Osbourne wrote on Facebook alongside a black-and-white image of the pair: “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”

Meanwhile, Uriah Heep bandmate Mick Box also wrote on Facebook : “Lee was one of the kindest men on earth, as well as being a brother he was an incredible drummer, singer and song writer!

“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”.

It is believed Mick was referring to late members David Byron, Gary Thain, John Wetton, and Trevor Bolder.

Lee was born in Bournemouth, Dorset, England and began playing drums at the age of 11.

He went on to join progressive rock band Uriah Heep in 1971 and remained with them through to 1979, with Lee also appearing on David Byron’s and Ken Hensley’s solo albums.

In 1980, after a chance meeting with Black Sabbath rocker Ozzy Osbourne in an elevator in Australia, Lee worked with the rocker on his landmark solo albums Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman, along with the 1980 Live EP and parts of the 1987 Tribute album.

Lee also rejoined Uriah Heep in 1981 and remained part of the band until January 2007.

He contributed to 17 studio albums with the band, as well as some of their live albums.

Kerslake appeared on stage with the band in December 2018 after going public with his battle against prostate cancer that same month.

In 2018 he revealed that he had been given four years to live five years previously.

He said on The Metal Voice: “It’s prostate cancer but it’s moved to rest of my body I have now have bone cancer which is nasty one, so the doctor gave me about eight months to live. But I’ve been fighting all the way.”

In 2019, Ozzy Osbourne granted Lee’s final wish to receive plaques for platinum album certifications for the studio albums they worked on together.

Ozzy stated in a Facebook post in January last year: “I’m so glad that Lee Kerslake is enjoying his Blizzard and Diary platinum albums. I hope you feel better. Love Ozzy.”

Lee is survived by his beloved wife, Sue.

Lee Kerslake (1947-2020)

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