Lost Ozzy Osbourne Rehearsal Tape Resurfaces After Decades

A long-lost rehearsal tape featuring Ozzy Osbourne has resurfaced after spending more than four decades hidden away, offering a rare glimpse into a pivotal moment in his career shortly after his departure from Black Sabbath.

The cassette was recorded in early 1980 and captures an informal rehearsal session from Osbourne’s earliest days as a solo artist. The tape was recently rediscovered by David Jolly, who had befriended Osbourne around the time of the recording and stored it in a briefcase before eventually forgetting about it entirely. The tape came to light again years later while sorting through personal belongings.

Capturing a Turning Point

The recording runs approximately 12 minutes and features Osbourne rehearsing with members of his original solo lineup, including guitarist Randy Rhoads and bassist Bob Daisley. The session took place in Suffolk, England, during rehearsals that preceded the studio work for Osbourne’s debut solo album, Blizzard of Ozz.

Rather than finished songs, the tape documents a loose and blues-influenced jam, revealing the raw creative process behind Osbourne’s transition from band frontman to solo artist. The performance predates the involvement of drummer Lee Kerslake and reflects a formative period as the group worked toward defining its sound.

An Unpolished but Historic Recording

When the tape was first played back after decades of inactivity, it initially appeared to contain unrelated audio, including fragments of other music that had been recorded over the cassette. Moments later, Osbourne’s unmistakable voice emerged, confirming the tape’s significance.

Bob Daisley later confirmed the authenticity of the recording after hearing it, identifying both the musicians involved and the rehearsal setting. While the tape does not include any complete or previously unknown songs, its value lies in its candid portrayal of a legendary artist rebuilding his career at a critical crossroads.

What Comes Next

At present, there has been no announcement regarding an official release of the recording. Archivists and fans have expressed interest in preserving the tape and potentially making it available, though any future plans remain uncertain.

The rediscovered rehearsal tape stands as a rare artifact from one of heavy metal’s most influential figures, offering an intimate snapshot of Ozzy Osbourne at the very beginning of his solo journey.