I have read and listened to so many tributes to my friend Ozzy and indeed have had the honour of being part of some myself including The Today Programme on Radio 4 and Sky News and I'd like to think that Ozzy would be mightily proud to know how much he was loved.

My son Adam, who worked with Ozzy for more than 20 years is totally gutted and I can understand why too, as Ozzy and Sharon treated him almost as one of the family. I worked with Ozzy on Sabbath Bloody Sabbath and Ozzmosis, (I still rate Perry Mason as the best Prog Metal songs ever), and was honoured when Ozzy sang Buried Alive on my Return to the Centre of the Earth album.

With YES, we supported Sabbath on a tour and I spent many a happy time with the Sabbath lads, drinking and laughing, (well, mostly drinking), and I can truly say the friendships were cemented.

My heart goes out to Sharon (who truly saved Ozzy's life), and the 5 kids and his brothers and sisters. Thanks for the memories Ozzy, they will outlast us all.

Rick Wakeman, 23rd July 2025