Ozzy Osbourne R.I.P

Ozzy, R.I.P Thanks, everyone, for your messages and wishes. Ozzy was something else, wasn’t he? I brought Black Sabbath to Australia in '71 for the Myponga 71 outdoor music festival. It was a huge coup, one gig only. We put them up at the Park Royal on South Terrace, Adelaide. We had flown them in just to headline Myponga 71 and do this one night only. And yes, they terrified me. Ozzy was two years younger than me, when everything was possible. We had been talking to all the major acts around the world to headline the first Australian outdoor three-day music festival at Myponga in South Australia. Chrysalis were Black Sabbath's agents and record company; their huge hit “Paranoid” was just breaking, and we were astounded and grateful that we brokered the deal. After Black Sabbath arrived in Adelaide, I had a number of very hairy meetings. I remember vividly visiting their Park Royal motel room in Adelaide just hours before they were due to play. There were dramas about the sound systems, demands, and requests for the near impossible. Surrounded by all the boys, I did a lot of pleading, arguing, and negotiating. It was about getting them to Myponga to play. It was a music experience to remember. Everyone was happy; Ozzy was great, and they were great, the huge crowd loved them. I was a shattered wreck when they finished the gig, but it was truly magnificent. Of course, there was much more to their stay in Adelaide. I think Ozzy and the boys had a fabulous time; what they got up to is now part of the legend of Ozzy and Black Sabbath.  I will miss him. Hamish Henry - The Grape Organisation and Myponga Music Festival Founder​