Lee Kerslake

Lee Kerslake, a stalwart drummer known for his profound contributions to the rock genre, became a formidable presence behind the drum kits for Uriah Heep and Ozzy Osbourne. His narrative is not just one of rhythm and beats but of resilience and life’s crescendos and diminuendos that shaped a remarkable career. Kerslake was born on April 16, 1947, in Bournemouth, England. His journey into music began at an early age, with the inspirations of the burgeoning rock scene igniting his passion for drumming. Like many of his contemporaries, he started in local bands, honing his skills and seeking the elusive break. His big break came when he joined The Gods in the late 1960s, a group that acted as a revolving door of future rock luminaries. This early chapter saw Kerslake cross paths with keyboardist Ken Hensley, who would later become his bandmate in Uriah Heep. The Gods afforded him his first taste of professional recording, but it was his move to Toe Fat that began to carve his path in the rock tapestry. Notably, his time in these early bands polished his style, characterized by powerful and precise drumming suited to rock's grandeur. In 1971, Kerslake received the call that would change the trajectory of his career. Joining Uriah Heep, he became an integral part of one of the foundational bands of hard rock and heavy metal. His work with Uriah Heep spanned pivotal albums like "Demons and Wizards" and "The Magician's Birthday," where his drumming lent a solid backbone to the band's musically adventurous output. The quintessential role of drummer as both timekeeper and showman was perfectly embodied in Kerslake; his performances imbued songs with a dynamic vitality, pushing rock epics to cinematic heights. Kerslake's tenure with Uriah Heep was marked by albums that defined the flamboyance of 70s rock. His drumming style was distinctive: a potent mix of technical precision and improvisational flair that complemented the band's fusion of heavy riffs and symphonic allure. Despite the band's success, internal strife led to a brief parting in 1979, but he would rejoin in 1982 despite the turbulent tides. Beyond Uriah Heep, Lee Kerslake found himself thrust into another musical epoch as the drummer for Ozzy Osbourne’s first two solo albums, "Blizzard of Ozz" and "Diary of a Madman." Here, he contributed to tracks that would become anthems of heavy metal, including "Crazy Train" and "Mr. Crowley". His collaboration with Osbourne marked a period of both creative fruition and personal turmoil. Kerslake, along with bassist Bob Daisley, would later embark on a legal battle against Osbourne and his team over royalties and performance credits for their work. It was a battle emblematic of the industry's often tumultuous marriage of art and commerce. Health issues would later sideline Kerslake, notably a battle with prostate cancer that he fought bravely for many years. Yet, even in the face of such adversity, his spirit remained unbroken. His later years saw him release a solo album, "Eleventeen," a project that bore the hallmarks of his indomitable spirit and undiminished enthusiasm for music. In 2019, after decades of estrangement over past grievances, Osbourne acknowledged Kerslake’s contributions by gifting him the platinum certifications of the albums they worked on together. This gesture marked a poignant reconciliation, a moment of closure for a long-standing chapter in Kerslake’s life. Kerslake passed away on September 19, 2020, leaving behind a legacy that reverberates through the annals of rock history. His drumming, characterized by powerful technique and an inimitable sense of groove, continues to inspire generations of musicians. The story of Lee Kerslake is one of passion, persistence, and a rhythmic beating heart that never skipped a beat, even in life's most challenging moments. In the realm of rock and roll, where legends are often shaped not just by talent but by the resilience to rise above trials, Lee Kerslake’s life stands as a testament to the enduring power of music. His drums may have fallen silent, but the impact of his work continues to echo, immortalized in the records that defined an era and in the memories of those who had the fortune to witness his artistry firsthand.