Ozzy Has Left the Planet

[Slim]

My belief has always been that it is unique sounding singers who make bands. Rush, Queen, Yes, Led Zeppelin. All of these bands have (had) great musicians and writers, but would they have reached the heights they did if they didn't have that magic ingredient? I think the voice is the fairy dust. Add a distinct stage presence to that and you have it all. I'm aware of most of the other fabulous rock vocalists out there, but there's something missing in their talent. That thing you can't quite put into words.

Well not to derail the thread too much but I think that Rush succeeded despite Geddy's voice, and although he had a bit of stage presence in the late '70s, by the early '80s he'd dispensed with that.

[The Picnic Wasp]

My belief has always been that it is unique sounding singers who make bands. Rush, Queen, Yes, Led Zeppelin. All of these bands have (had) great musicians and writers, but would they have reached the heights they did if they didn't have that magic ingredient? I think the voice is the fairy dust. Add a distinct stage presence to that and you have it all. I'm aware of most of the other fabulous rock vocalists out there, but there's something missing in their talent. That thing you can't quite put into words.

Well not to derail the thread too much but I think that Rush succeeded despite Geddy's voice, and although he had a bit of stage presence in the late '70s, by the early '80s he'd dispensed with that.

I'm surprised that you think that but respect your opinion. I've heard lots of covers of Hemispheres, TSOR etc and they just don't do anything for me without his voice. He's the reason for the hairs on the back of the neck or the tear jerking moments.

As for stage presence, I watched him in awe as his list of tasks and challenges grew along with their music. Maybe that's just because I'm a poor musician wishing I'd been blessed with his talent, but I don't think Rush would have got into my system the way they did if Coverdale had been their bass / keyboards guy.

Sorry for the thread derail, Ozzy. I'm sure you'd understand. That's another nod of respect to your opinions, James, that I didn't type you'll.

[dom]

My belief has always been that it is unique sounding singers who make bands. Rush, Queen, Yes, Led Zeppelin. All of these bands have (had) great musicians and writers, but would they have reached the heights they did if they didn't have that magic ingredient? I think the voice is the fairy dust. Add a distinct stage presence to that and you have it all. I'm aware of most of the other fabulous rock vocalists out there, but there's something missing in their talent. That thing you can't quite put into words.

Well not to derail the thread too much but I think that Rush succeeded despite Geddy's voice, and although he had a bit of stage presence in the late '70s, by the early '80s he'd dispensed with that.

I think his voice and Neil's lyrics were the most under-rated part of the band and they wouldn't have been a success without them. 

[R6GYY]

Ozzy did indeed choose well with his guitarists. At least with Randy and Jake. I can't say I've listened to a lot of the Zak Wylde era.

As much as I like some of the Sabb's material, if I were to pick something to listen to from Ozzy, it would most likely be early solo Ozzy - either Blizzard Of Ozz or Bark At The Moon.

I have a real soft spot for Bark At The Moon. It was a bit of a comfort blanket for me at a particular point in time. Almost literally - I used to put it on headphones at night (cassette) to drown out the sound of my brother's snoring!

[Matt2112]

Nice tribute from Gene Simmons this morning on BBC Breakfast - I remember he did the same when Eddie died.