A Tribute to Lee Kerslake (1947-2020)

Join host Pete Pardo for a tribute to the late drummer Lee Kerslake (Uriah Heep, Ozzy Osbourne, Toe Fat, The Gods, Living Loud, Head Machine) who passed away today at the age of 73. #leekerslake
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[@MrFrikkenfrakken]

The only trouble with being this age - watching folks pass away you enjoyed in your youth. RIP Lee.

[@sspbrazil]

MrFrikkenfrakken yep

[@starshiptrooper7670]

I agree. It's a major drag. Chris Squire was a big one for me. RIP Lee

[@kevinwilson598]

So true and our time is just around the corner

[@jazzpunk]

@@starshiptrooper7670 That & Neal Peart. You actually feel like you know these guys...

[@jaimeres]

MrFrikkenfrakken I’m with you. I’m 58, and all my favorite musicians are dying left and right. You think these guys are going to live forever, but we know they won’t. 😥

[@jasonyoung7705]

Lee Kerslake and Bob Daisley, great writing team and amazing rhythm section. RIP Lee.

[@ponkopanajot5143]

Какво ще кажеш за Гари Тейн ....

[@amosamaralmarao7846]

I am from Brazil! I love you,Lee!!! R.I.P. Lee Kerslake Tears...

[@jazzpunk]

That era of Heep with Thain and Kerslake will always be special for me. RIP, guys.

[@ZalMoxis]

And Byron.

[@marcelopepinho]

...and Byron

[@alyceinchainz1]

Best line up ever

[@marcelopepinho]

.... I forgot ...and John Wetton ...

[@davidpickering4291]

The first concert I ever attended was Uriah Heep on the "Demons and Wizards" tour. Lee Kerslake and Gary Thain (a criminally underappreciated bassist) were a super tight rhythm section.

[@micknordstrom2591]

I met him three times. He actually played a whole Heep-gig on my drum set! He was amazing!

[@davel7791]

RIP Lee. Thank you for the music.

[@SAWBILLPRO]

Lee Kerslake was a true rock legend. One of my favourite drummers. R.I.P.

[@sameoldeh]

Diary Of A Madman was Ozzy's best album ever. Lee Kerslake had such an important part in this,amazing timekeeper. RIP Lee Kerslake. Remembered for a very long time.

[@CatharticusX]

sameoldeh The way he uses the snare drum to build up the tension in the middle section of Diary of a Madman chilled me since the first time I heard it. It’s like an Edgar Allen Poe poem. Flawless album.

[@markr.devereux2713]

That album was huge for metal fans kinda a lull in the early 80s for us fans from the holy of holiest 70s when metal was developed and never got much better in following decades. 70s drummers were and are the best no question. No speed metal no weird snare sounds or idiotic kick drum metallica shit. Oops I just admitted I'm a boomer fuck u genX YZ or millenials you got no ear for quality or musicality. Some of the shit coming out is ridiculous.

[@mikeshannon658]

Lee always took time out to chat with fans--he wasn't one of those guys who'd say, "I'll be right with you" and wouldn't be seen again. I chatted with Lee several times over the years and he always greeted a person like they were old chums. When I was a zit face, braces wearing teenager in 1982 I met Ozzy when he was on vacation on Hilton Head Island. Lee had just been fired from Ozzy's band and my friend Eric and I approached him as he was drinking at an outside bar and playing cards with the bartender. Ozzy was buzzed but super friendly. Being a Heep fan first, I mentioned how upset I was he'd fired Lee from his band. "That's not true man" Ozzy kept insisting. Of course with hindsight we all know Sharon was the instigator but my young self wasn't having any of it. "Not what I read," I answered and so it went. Long story short (too late) when I met up with Lee after Heep's 2002 performance in the pub of the Empire in London I was able to finally tell him how I'd defended his honor all those years ago. He broke in at one point, my wife adding to the chorus, that it was Sharon who's actually fired him, but I only knew what Hit Parader had stated at the time I said. When I finished my story of telling Ozzy what a mistake it was to lose Lee, he said, "Sir, you're a gentleman and a scholar, " with an appropriate flourish of his hand. These words are exactly what HE was. Legendary drummer and one of the nicest souls to ever play in a rock and roll band. R.I.P.

[@nickehanninen874]

Met him once, so full of heart.

[@rodmunch4879]

Sharon is a demon. Bob and lee made ozzy.

[@garybourke468]

Thank you .

[@davidlaurie1740]

Like all the members of Uriah Heep, a lovely guy. I briefly met him for an autograph at the Gaumont Theatre in Southampton (UK) on the Blizzard tour but more memorably in Worthing on the Equator tour... I’m always a little shy of going up to the band members but when a friend shouted out that I was a big Heep fan he came up and gave me that big bear hug! RIP Lee.

[@jamestcallahanphotographer]

rod Munch Absolutely, Brother. Without Bob Daisley and Lee Kerslake there would be NO “Blizzard of Oz” or “Diary of a Madman,” and all those great songs and legendary drumming! And really, those are the ONLY Ozzy records IMO.

[@krissyramsey3934]

I raise my Cup in honor of the great Lee Kerslake. Here's to a new beginning, Lee. The journey never ends ❤

[@brucybabyy7355]

man, i knew this was coming. but still it hurts. i met lee and mick many years ago after a show in calgary. what great guys. i had my listening planned out this evening but that has changed. im playing uriah heep live ,73 with tears in my eyes. rest in power and peace my brother.

[@32ndBrother]

A devastating loss, thanks Lee for all the great music.

[@Mike-aka747]

Only Hensley and Box are still living from the classic lineup. RIP Lee Kerslake Rip David Byron Rip Gary Thaine.

[@ogrebattle22763]

Lost interest in Uriah Heep after David Byron's firing....

[@Mike-aka747]

ogrebattle22763 yea the Lawton era was pretty nerdy so much lame soft rock and Conquest was dreadful too. More nerdy Heep. However I totally dig the Goalby era it was pop metal but I felt it was of high caliber

[@norms3913]

Bob daisley the bassist of uriah heep at 1 time is still alive

[@dirkbag22]

That bass Gary played was so great. I still miss him.

[@thebeginningofsorrows7500]

Also Trevor Bolder RIP.

[@paulgee2535]

Wonderful tribute Pete. One of the most criminally underrated drummers/songwriters ever. RIP Lee.

[@paolovincent6800]

God Bless Lee Kerslake,, Thank You

[@013bassman]

Uriah Heep Live. Always will be in my all time favorite albums. RIP Mr. Kerslake!

[@fredfox3851]

Friday night in Birmingham! Best Heep lineup ever. : )

[@013bassman]

@@fredfox3851 Absolutely! What a great rhythm section with Kerslake, and the late, great Gary Thain!

[@stephensdygert7600]

Love the record. However I don't like Mick Box's sound. He was too clean. Look at yourself, Gypsy, ect. didn't have the balls.

[@rsqyoung]

Like the legends they are, the words are getting harder to find. RIP

[@mikechapman1102]

He was the Epitome of a GREAT rock drummer and finally got his due from Ozzy as well. Thank you Pete for recognizing an amazing musician R.I.P. Mr. Kerslake. We all LOVE you.

[@independenceltd.]

RIP Lee. A monster behind the kit. His drumming with Ozzy is what drove me to delve deeper into the Heep.

[@grahamtaylor8912]

Downer. Went to see Heep back in 85, stood right at the front shouting "Bolder, Bolder" (big fan of Bowie and the Spiders) and at the end of the gig Trevor Bolder leaned down and shook my hand. Then Lee came up and high fived my hand.. It stung like hell. R.I.P Lee.

[@Rossi5007]

Trevor Bolder RIP as well, great musician

[@grahamtaylor8912]

@@Rossi5007 Yes he was a great musician.

[@pjones8404]

January 22, 1977. The first professional rock drummer I ever saw live was Lee Kerslake. He was in Uriah Heep opening for Kiss. I was lucky enough to have backstage passes and was seating within perfect view of the stage and he was right in full sight! As a budding new drummer..he made an immediate and life lasting impact. His simple but super powerful drumming style was amazing and he had an amazing feel and groove! RIP good sir and thunder away up in heaven! THANK YOU!

[@jimbrookfield9011]

Kiss should have been opening for Uriah Heep

[@brucefranklin6295]

We knew this was coming, but didn't make it any less sad.Great drummer and great guy also.Had the pleasure of meeting and talking with him back in 1982,I think. Glad Ozzy and especially Sharon, did the right thing and gave him the platinum albums that he deserved ,while he could still enjoy them.

[@nicholasbenedictrobinson7841]

Over The Mountain Enough said! RIP to a legend!!!

[@spicykimchi1]

Uriah Heep will always be one of my favorite '70s bands. R.I.P., Lee!

[@awickedtribe]

This really harshed my buzz... Love Kerslake's skinwork. He and Thain are one of my favorite rhythm sections... Sorely missed.

[@jazzpunk]

I'm working on mine now (via Autumnal brews)...the whole thing is depressing.

[@cb90222]

I met Lee way back in the early 70's and was still friends with him until he passed away 😔 😢 RIP my friend 😔 😇 🙏 🙏 🙏#chicagogroupie70s

[@awickedtribe]

@@cb90222 Cool... I got to meet Byron and Hensley but never the rest of the band.

[@richieroo4844]

Thain was great , Christchurch boy If Im not mistaken. I got to see the wonderful Lee play only once( as a youngster back in `85.) Loud... my ears were ringing for about three days.

[@awickedtribe]

@@richieroo4844 I dig what you mean...The 'Sweet Freedom' Tour was bombastic. I think my ears are still ringing 50 years later

[@kamranmalik8546]

I'm sorry to hear about, Rest in Peace Lee Kerslake.

[@hristodenchev5976]

R. I. P., Lee Kerslake!😥.....

[@mickeyguerrero407]

Lee “THE BEAR’ Kerslake. Great Great drummer. .

[@ms.felonystrutter2472]

Diary is a MASTERPIECE

[@nikkiboyce4632]

Absolutley

[@MrDevtun]

Ozzy's best imo. Good to know Bob & Lee got credit for their contributions.

[@fcoyne69]

Couldn't agree more. I love that album, Ozzy's best in my opinion.

[@Katehowe3010]

No doubt about that, but imo, i believe they never topped the debut. 'Crazy Train', 'Mr Crowley' and 'Mother Earth (Revelation)' are all stone cold classics!!

[@mikeduquesne2991]

Ozzies best record by far

[@garyjoyce2160]

OVER the MOUNTAIN/ great summary PETE/ is a balls to the WALL / unreal drumming/ tremendous 💯!

[@cb90222]

Yep THE BEST

[@PhilBaird1]

Thanks Pete, you do these tribute shows so well and they are always heartfelt and informed. Beautifully done. RIP Lee.

[@turbinexman]

RIP Lee!! Thank you very much, for your contributions to hard rock and metal!!

[@Mariazellerbahn]

Lee was a cracking bloke. Always had time for the fans. R.I.P. Lee.

[@drumsanddrumming]

Feels like an old friend has died.

[@marcelopepinho]

Thank you Lee!!! for all the taste of music you brought to me .... You will be forever admired

[@seansweeney2875]

A magnificent drummer 🥁 and human being RIP Lee 🙏lovely tribute Pete..thanks 👍

[@randysalles2292]

Man this man was a monster on the kit....thankfully I had the honor to see him with the original Heep lineup at Winterland.....RIP brother

[@clintbronson5]

Damn! :( Going to play OVER THE MOUNTAIN

[@timpenfield5]

Great tribute, PURE CLASS, AS A DRUMMER AND A GENT, LOVE U LEE , PEACE ON YOUR FINAL JOURNEY, R.I.P, AND THANX FOR THE MUSIC

[@boozefueledreviews6928]

How have 4 people disliked this video? Lee was a drum god and a huge part of Heep's harmony sound. RIP Lee! I'll still be trying to play some of your crazy drum fills for the rest of my life! Sad day.

[@integrity101]

RIP brother. What a fantastic player. Those first two albums by the *BLIZZARD OF OZZ BAND* are fantastic. I didnt realize he was in Uriah Heep also. I only have their greatest hits album. Great band.

[@jazzpunk]

You need Demons and Wizards, The Magician's Birthday, and the Live album from that era. For starters :-)

[@toddstevens13]

@Itegrity101 17 Heep Albums worth. Enjoy the Journey.

[@stephensdygert7600]

Sweet Feedom was his best "drum work" with Uriah Heep. Demons and Wizards, Magicians Birthday are both outstanding.

[@integrity101]

Please give me your three favorite U Heep albums everyone

[@stephensdygert7600]

@@integrity101 There really is no Uriah Heep, with out Byron, Hensley, Box. Salisbury, Very Eavy, Very Umble, Look at Yourself!! Look at Yourself is a masterpiece.

[@jacey714]

Those drum parts shaped our youth~ God bless Lee Kerslake and his family~ R.I.P.

[@chazblitz]

I was just saying to my sister the other day, when's the last time we had a discussion that didn't include ailments or aches and pains. Most of us didn't read the fine print about getting old while we were young and living hard. None of us are gonna cheat the hangman so have fun everyone!

[@shinyoneincarnate5565]

This body, is just a rental.

[@dasboot5903]

Hi. I am originally from the Republic of Poland. I am an old non active drummer, and have to admit, that Lee Kerslake as a drummer, he was always my great inspiration !!!! Not only because he was a hard drumming person when needed, but also he was a very lyric drummer, who knew very well, when to add a bit and a little of drumming effects between quiet spots of the song and between the poetic lyrics, too !!!! His drumming style was unbelievable and moreover .... his sensitivity as a musician in general was just great !!!!. Lee Kerslake & base guitarist Gary Thain, originally from New Zealand ..... it was a perfect, very well lubricated RHYTHM MACHINE for the hard rock "URIAH HEEP" band, at the pick of their stage performance, creativity and popularity. Rest in Peace dear master Lee Kerslake .... and join Gary Thain to play together again in Heaven *for every "Sunrise" of the peace* in the whole World :o)) kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4fSk4SKltSJbdU AMEN.

[@TONERAVENTUNES]

We lost Frankie,now Lee both whom worked with Mr.Randy Rhoads.Sad to hear the news about Lee,he will be forever remembered.His music will live on forever.tone raven-We Are The Black Things(Band)Hollywood CA.

[@MrDavidStevens]

Thanks for the video, Pete. Very sad news. He'll be deeply missed.

[@DieNetaDie]

wow. this informed me. thanks for the great music Lee

[@thomaspallante9166]

One of the best!!! Keep drumming in heaven Lee. Rest in peace

[@rogermartinville5369]

I had the honor of seeing Uriah Heep with Mr.Kerslake in Boston in 1975 what a great show. RIP Lee !

[@ms.felonystrutter2472]

TY PETE......YOU SAID IT ALL :)

[@bonzo713]

Lost another great one indeed... And it's going to keep coming. R.I.P LEE KERSLAKE...THANK YOU FOR A LIFETIME OF GREAT MUSIC!

[@cb90222]

I met Lee way back in the early 70's and was still friends with him until he passed away 😔 😢 RIP my friend 😔 😇 🙏 🙏 🙏#chicagogroupie70s

[@deadliestassassin3092]

Classic Heep man. This one hits me hard. RIP Lee Kerslake, Gary Thain, and David Byron. Plus RIP John Wetton and Trevor Bolder. I'm 38 years old so i'm probably gonna be hearing alot of this happening throughout my life.

[@mikeshannon658]

It's true and at the end of it we die too--but it's just a stop along the way.

[@johnmichaelwilliams6694]

And another great one leaves us. Thanks, Pete, for the tribute. These always bum me out a little bit but I am so glad you take the time to honor those leaving us behind. RIP Lee Kerslake.

[@caceresramiro1]

Lee, is one one of the "Top 10 drummers" un Rock History. May R.I.P. (Rock in Peace)

[@brenobutcher]

Great musician who recorded timeless classics with Uriah Heep and Ozzy, I also really enjoy Head Machine! I'm glad I saw him live with Uriah Heep in 2006, it was a great concert! RIP

[@VK-uu9tt]

Great drumer! One of the best!

[@thunderdeed1]

I had the luck to meet Lee in '77 on the Firefly tour.

[@diannecarpenter7718]

Thank you for your Tribute to Lee Kerslake (1947 - 2020) 🎤🎸🎵🥁

[@billmaglis6207]

Thank you really a respectful and informative commentary of Lee's career and life. RIP Lee never forgotten your sound will live forever

[@hm_nn_5633]

Lee undoubtedly in the classic Uriah Heep line-up. Great drummer. RIP.

[@pichitagarcia4160]

From Spain,Mr.Lee Kerslake, GRACIAS!!!!

[@iluvpepi]

Fantastic drummer! 🤘🏼

[@moffettcoates6455]

Was listening to Uriah Heep at 15 in 1972 and still listening.

[@stlrockn]

I met him in Nashville after a Heep gig in September 1973. A nice guy who appreciated the fans.

[@kevinhodgson8508]

I was fortunate enough to see Mr Kerslake play live 4 times with Uriah Heep and 3 times with Blizzard of Ozz . He was always an inspiration and hugely influential towards younger players . Definitely one of the all time greats .

[@miteyoak]

First band I ever saw was Uriah Heep. Wonderworld tour ‘74. Rest in Peace,Lee. 🤘😞

[@dimebag6384]

R.I.P. Lee kerslake jamming with randy riding high again another sad loss for the metal community ♠️🤘

[@rogerbaron9514]

I appreciated your site. You're a great music historian and I appreciated your knowledge. Thank you.

[@joannitaxvi3386]

Worth to mention Berggren Kerslake Band - "The Sun Has Gone Hazy" from 2014. RIP Mr Kerslake

[@mikeshannon658]

Nice call!

[@kristofbossuyt4609]

For some reason, sweet freedom was stuck in my head today, with the mighty David Byron, sincere condolation from a Belgian life-long fan. Also in my mind Dave Greenfield(Stranglers) earlier this strange year.

[@billcowan5539]

Thank you for that really cool tribute to one of my favorite drummers of all time. RIP Lee Kerslake

[@yuri_nazarenko]

Strangely enough but Lee Kerslake was one of the very first so-called "western" performers whose interview I read during my Soviet Union childhood. In late 80s it was published in a Soviet teenager's magazine, when Uriah Heep came to the USSR for the very first time. I still remember that he was very upset by the fact that a producer made their last album sound like Bon Jovi (I guess it was 1989's "Raging Silence"). And I recall that he was also surprised that a drummer of their supporting band (a Russian act, which opened for them during that tour) was not using the whole drum kit: "He just uses half of the kit! Why?!" - Lee questioned in the article. Those days Uriah Heep were not my cup of tea but I still remember that article and his picture...

[@garyjoyce2160]

Wow I’m usually on this/. First hearing. RIP. !

[@spiritedtruthseeker5929]

I only wish I could have shared some time with Lee. What a fantastic human. 💚

[@leestevens5546]

First drummer I ever saw live, on Sept 10th., 1983, with Uriah Heep opening for Def Lep at Compton Terrace, Tempe, AZ. I caught Lee Kerslake's drum stick, as it came flying out of the darkness of the sky, coming straight at me and I reached my arm up and snatched into the grip of my hand almost 14 year old hand!

[@t.j.s8477]

Thanks for everything Lee, God bless.

[@howardevans6302]

teenage years spent with Uriah heep live album, just loved Lee's drumming and he had that wonderful chrome drum set. A great drummer and a great guy RIP

[@markprice1308]

RIP ……..LEE one of my personal mentors as a Bass Player Lee’s Drum beats, Patterns , and his timing changed me as a bass player. Lee’s approach to song structures beats and fills were new and Fresh and quite honestly influenced rocks New challenge …today’so i can out there the foundation they need to create . GOD be with ya. Lee Kerslake one of the best. 🤘🥁

[@Bill-py1fn]

Pete, you pull me thru some really tough times. I appreciate your effort. I think in different circumstances we good be friends. Best wishes to you and yours, cheers!

[@saurian11]

Lee was a GREAT Drummer!!! I Loved his drumming on the Classic Heep albums! R.I.P. Lee!

[@jayrdee8542]

R.I.P Lee. Amazing drummer.

[@JohannesYtterstrom]

What a drummer! R.I.P.

[@cosmicpickle6562]

I'm 60, and I pretty much stopped listening to Rock decades ago when I became a Jazz, instrumental music, etc. guy. But from time to time I revisit my teenage High School music that I was into. Sad to hear of Lee's passing, though I was aware of his illness. I always read about what he was up to even though I never really listened to stuff like Ozzy solo, etc. Such a shame he was ripped off by certain managers-you can figure out who i'm talking about. Nice guy it seems and I saw him live once in New Jersey in what was the final Uriah Heep tour with David Bryon (John Wetton was in the band as well then), supporting the 'High & Mighty' album. Always seemed so down to earth when I caught interview clips with him here on KZbin. Seems he never developed the 'star ego'. Glad to see you do this little tribute to him Pete. We're losing so many musicians weekly-especially in my world of Jazz..... -Gary

[@guitarjunkie7124]

Thank you for this video explaining Lee's history. I found it very informative and I learned a lot that I didn't know about Lee. So sorry to hear about his passing.

[@carlospizano4647]

Lee Kerslake was a bad ass drummer. I love Paradise from Heep and Over the Mountain from Blizzard. R.I.P.

[@gorancabrajic3240]

One of the greatest, true legend, he will be missed. He is in rock n roll heaven now.

[@konradlure8729]

RIP Lee. My first album ,a gift from my older brother was wonderworld.

[@themobseat]

The next 10 years are going to be real tough as our classic rock heroes pass away one after another.

[@jaimeres]

Very well said Pete.

[@SaintedSons]

You’re a class act Pete! Thank you for this lovely tribute to Lee Keeslake.🙏🏻🎧

[@zippy5131]

Saw Uriah Heep several years ago and Lee made a guest appearance..... I was totally dumbfounded.. it was years since I saw him play.. Mad all your albums are on CD mine are all vynil........... oh the age's.. RIP Mr. Kerslake I will not forget your last swansong..

[@denystull355]

Rainbow Demon! My favorite song by Uriah Heep. RIP Lee Kerslake

[@lyndonscott3528]

Fantastic drummer, loved his work, R. I. P Lee

[@Animated-Nostalgia]

THANKS

[@markspooner1224]

Nice one Pete, RIP Lee, the next time it thunders over Dorset we'll know it's you.

[@steveverboom]

God bless Lee Kerslake. He was an amazing drummer and nice guy. He will be missed.

[@fy1755]

I was a big fan rest in peace Lee

[@jeffgolden7761]

Good bless you Lee Kerslake✝😇 you inspired me to play drums the moment I heard you on those legendary Ozzy albums

[@mickeystewart4504]

Thank you for this tribute, Lee inspired me to take up the drums when I heard him play with Uriah Heep, greatly appreciated his single kick drum playing.

[@breakaleg10]

He will play at the magician's birthday, with the rest of the demons and wizards

[@jerryattwooll4864]

Nice one.

[@stephensdygert7600]

No he won't. Your either in Adam or CHRIST. Ask Ken Hensley. There won't be any Magicians, Demons, or Wizards in heaven.

[@stevieray1507]

@@stephensdygert7600 There is no heaven, except in your imagination, so. there is no reason to get all self righteous and rude when someone else refers to such common, harmless fantasies that were an integral part of the Uriah Heep sound, lyrics and imagery! Please grow up!

[@stephensdygert7600]

@@stevieray1507 Ken Hensley is a youth pastor today. His band Live Fire, sounds more like Uriah Heep, than the Box Band. Hensley wrote lots of Godly, Christian orientated lyrics. Look at Yourself, July Morning, Sunrise, Easy Living, Circle of Hands, Stealin, Pilgrim, 7 stars, ect.ect. God was dealing with him, Cocaine almost killed him. Many Rockers have gotten saved. Ken Hensley, Kerry Livgren& Dave Hope(Kansas) Nicko McBrain(Maiden) Alice Cooper, Blackie Lawless, Dave Mustaine, Tommy Aldridge, Michael Schenker ect.ect. There our three heavens. The one you can see from earth. The sencond heaven you can see about 1% of it at night. High powered telescopes enable more of the sencond heaven too be seen. The space stations, and Satellite pictures. The living God dwells in the heart of every believer. The third Heaven is quite a detailed discussion.

[@MatthewBaumgarten]

I listened to Uriah Heep all weekend and still listening 🎧, I'm a huge Fan