03 July 2010 (gig)
03 July 2010
“Let me Hear You Scream” Ozzy bellowed at the adoring crowd as he claimed centre stage at The Roundhouse Saturday night (July 3rd), as if there was any need for invitation.
Hysteria had already erupted among more than 4,000 revellers who spied the unmistakable walk and jet black locks of Black Sabbath’s former front man, before he’d even reached the mic.
Once in position, he cut a slick, iconic figure against the wall of 16 Black Star amps wired up to his supporting guitarists; Jason Newsted (formerly of Metallica) on bass, and Gus G (of Firewind) on lead.
“I still can’t f***ing here you” he yelled again before belting out the 1983 hit ‘Bark at the Moon’ and seamlessly continuing with ‘Let Me Hear You Scream,’ the signature track from his new album, Scream, released last month.
The heat at the former railway station shed, proved too much even for Ozzy just two tracks in when he doused himself on stage with a half a bucket of water, before treating the front row to the remainder of it.
Once suitably cooled down the audience were once again resurrected as he unleashed the controversial classic ‘Mr Crowley,’ named after the renowned dark and mystical occultist, Aleister Cowley, to which Ozzy himself has been likened.
A true showman, Ozzy engaged with his audience throughout the 90 minute set, allowing himself momentary glances of acknowledgement to his loyalist fan base, Sharon, Aimee, Kelly and Jack Osbourne, who filled the front seats of the balcony stage left of the venue.
Revellers occasionally looked up to catch a quick glimpse of The Osbourne’s star and proud son, Jack who consistently rose from his seat to greet close friends and extended family who joined them to enjoy the one-off show hosted by ITunes.
The sea of fans clapped their hands high above their heads, as directed by the multi-platinum singer/songwriter, as he rolled out Black Sabbath hit after hit including; ‘Fairies Wear Boots’, ‘Iron Man’ and ‘Rat Salad’.
With an impressive four decades of Black Sabbath and solo classics at his disposal, The Prince of Darkness, still made time for newbies such as; ‘Fearless’ which was received with just as much enthusiasm, endorsing not only the strength of his fan base but also the global success of his new much talked about album.
In true Ozzy style, he left his fans holding on until the final hour before rewarded them with the unrivalled hits ‘Mamma I’m Coming Home’ and ‘Paranoid’, both of which followed an encore fit for any of the big stadiums.
Despite the excess of drink, drugs and years on the road, Ozzy remains the pinnacle of rock and roll in terms of performance and stage presence.
What makes this 61-year-old stand out from his peers who still dominate the music scene, is not his only his innate ability to communicate with his audience, but his childlike, almost vulnerable, inability to conceal his enjoyment at being at the centre of it all.
As he gripped the mic with knuckles bearing the self-inked name that we’ve all come to know him by, you got the impression there really was no where else John Michael Osbourne would rather be, and I think it’s fair to say the exact same sentiments were mirrored by his adoring crowd.
