Ozzy Osbourne Live In Athens. Greece

Ozzy has been a brand name in the hearts of the Greek fans that grew with the music of the 80s, especially those that used to research for video material before the internet daze:  Mail-order, MTV’s Headbanger’s Balls,  relatives that were studying or living abroad,…They were using every possible way just to find the video moment where Ozzy bites the bat ! Ha,ha, how extreme was that moment during the 80s, the band’s management kept a commercial secret about it so the media were thrilled to find more info and the fans were starving for TV blood among Ozzy’s teeth…More than 20 years later, the prince of darkness was scheduled to play in Terra Vibe in Athens, Greece.

When I reached the place, I got a small disappointment cause I found out that Ozzy would appear in the small stage of the venue and I don’t know if this happened due to low expectations for the number of ppl that would come up or if it was related to the technical difficulties that the storm caused a few hours ago. From the position I was , it seemed that the place was almost packed and I could estimate about 7000 – 10000 ppl around me. The support band was called Poem and it’s a Greek band that was received with enthusiasm from the crowd when they appeared on stage. The music was classical metal in the veins of Savatage but also different elements was a part of their music, like oriental or jazz music. They already have released a 4 tracks EP which is available through shop@poemband.com . For more info about them check http://www.myspace.com/poemband

A few minutes before 21:00 a known football message was heard through the microphone  :Ole,ole,ole… It wasn’t the local football team’s coach but Mr. Ozzy Osbourne trying to warm the audience! The keyboards started playing the intro….and the band stormed the stage ready to feed the hungry Greeks with tons of charismatic rock n roll !! Before Ozzy appearing on stage I didn’t know what to expect, cause I knew that getting wasted for more than 40 years would cause him eternal health issues. But regardless of my expectations, Ozzy seemed pretty cut and clean on stage!!  I could hardly believe it that he was still alive…lol  Ozzy was spinning around the bandmates, singing , screaming and throwing water at the audience. I was surprised of how energetic he was and the fun he was making on stage. The whole playlist was based in a “Best Of” his career : I don’t Know, Mr. Crowley, No More Tears, Killer Of Giants, Road To Nowhere (he dedicated this song to Ronnie James Dio), Shot In The Dark, etc. Plus we wad the chance to hear 4-5 songs from Black Sabbath that gave much enthusiasm to all of the fans that never had the chance before to attend Black Sabbath performing live.

The voice was very good and it was a proof that the “old men” kick ass when they’re clean and enjoy at its best their job. The whole performance lasted more than 2 hours and the fans really loved it and the satisfaction level went higher than their expectations!! A big respect to Gus G the new Greek guitarist of Ozzy that was a killer axeman and talented as he was showing respect to the solos of the previous Ozzy’s guitarists but on the other side with his guitar solo ,during Ozz’s break, proved that he has the right to be in Ozzy’s band.