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Glasgow Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Remembering when Ozzy Osbourne played this Glasgow venue 37 years ago
The rocker and former Black Sabbath frontman, who died at 76 on Tuesday, took to the stage on 23 July 1988 alongside glam rock band Jagged Edge. Osbourne played 19 songs that evening in the East End; including hits War Pigs, Iron Man, and Crazy Train. He began the set with Bark at the Moon, followed by Suicide Solution, Over the Mountain and Fire in the Sky. The show was originally supposed to be held on 28 June, but was pushed back to late July. Osbourne played the Barrowland Ballroom on 23 July 1988. (Image: Archive) John McConnel posted to the Barrowland Ballroom Glasgow page: 'I was there, and it was my first time seeing Ozzy & a young Zakk, who at the time resembled a certain former Ozzy guitarist. It was great seeing both Ozzy & Geezer share a stage and was an insane night right from the off.' Crawford Roy added: 'I remember it well. It was Zakk's first tour and Geezer drafted in on bass. Ozzy threw bucket after bucket of water into the crowd. We got absolutely drenched.' Bryan Foley recalled: 'I was there, right against the barrier. It was one of my favourite gigs,' while Leonard Hoggan added: 'I was there, but I can't remember why it was re-scheduled. It was a great show. It was my first time seeing Zakk Wylde and it was great to see Geezer Butler in the band too.' Osbourne went on to perform Mr Crowley, Demon Alcohol, Shot in the Dark, I Don't Know, Flying High Again, and Bloodbath in Paradise. He also entertained the crowd with Miracle Man, Sweet Leaf, War Pigs, Tattooed Dancer, Iron Man, Crazy Train, and Paranoid, which served as the evening's encore. In 1980, Osbourne launched his first album as a solo artist at the Glasgow Apollo, kicking off the Blizzard of Ozz Tour in front of a sold-out crowd on 12 September. The Prince of Darkness returned to Glasgow in December 1982, when he was pictured feeding pigeons in George Square ahead of a gig at the Apollo. Known for his curly locks, Osbourne demonstrated a different style that day, posing with short hair, allegedly out of a desire to reduce demand for his services. And in 1983, Osbourne held a third gig at the Apollo, alongside Glasgow rock band Heavy Pettin'. Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne has died, age 76. Speaking about the 1980 gig, Andy Shields posted to the Glasgow Apollo online forum: 'I went to the gig (Ozzy's first gig as Blizzard of Oz). I don't have the ticket but I still have the programme somewhere, and I moved down south not long after and didn't get to many more gigs at the Apollo.' Dee Bomber commented: 'I remember that Brad Gillis was playing guitar on that tour. It was a basic show with little special effects but brilliant none the less, just the band on stage playing music and it was great. 'I have since seen him in the US on bigger stages with all the effects but does not come close to the Apollo gig for atmosphere and crowd participation.' Colin McKee added: 'I have my ticket stub for December 1980. Row GG 30 in the stalls. The crowd was incredible. What a year.' In one of her autobiographies, Sharon Osbourne recalled his first gig as a solo artist. She wrote: 'Glaswegians were said to be the most difficult of any audience in Britain, especially on a Friday night, which this was, when they got paid and got p****d. 'I didn't tell Ozzy - he was nervous enough already, on and off the toilet shaking with stage fright... Before the doors opened they were lining up round the block, and we were all in shock. The show was unbelievable." READ NEXT: I went to Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition in Glasgow - my verdict READ NEXT: Bay City Roller star talks about new Pavilion musical ahead of Glasgow premiere Sharon Osbourne added: "At the end, Ozzy knelt down and kissed the stage. 'Thank you, thank you, I love you, love you," he said, his voice breaking with emotion. And we all cried, the three of us: Ozzy, Randy and me, sobbing with tears of joy, and we could still hear voices from the auditorium calling for more… He had done it." A statement released by his family on Tuesday evening reads: 'It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. 'He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.'
The Herald Scotland
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne's ties to Glasgow run deep
Osbourne played 19 songs that evening in the East End; including hits War Pigs, Iron Man, and Crazy Train. He began the set with Bark at the Moon, followed by Suicide Solution, Over the Mountain and Fire in the Sky. The show was originally supposed to be held on 28 June, but was pushed back to late July. Osbourne played the Barrowland Ballroom on 23 July 1988. (Image: Archive) John McConnel posted to the Barrowland Ballroom Glasgow page: 'I was there, and it was my first time seeing Ozzy & a young Zakk, who at the time resembled a certain former Ozzy guitarist. It was great seeing both Ozzy & Geezer share a stage and was an insane night right from the off.' Crawford Roy added: 'I remember it well. It was Zakk's first tour and Geezer drafted in on bass. Ozzy threw bucket after bucket of water into the crowd. We got absolutely drenched.' Bryan Foley recalled: 'I was there, right against the barrier. It was one of my favourite gigs,' while Leonard Hoggan added: 'I was there, but I can't remember why it was re-scheduled. It was a great show. It was my first time seeing Zakk Wylde and it was great to see Geezer Butler in the band too.' Osbourne went on to perform Mr. Crowley, Demon Alcohol, Shot in the Dark, I Don't Know, Flying High Again, and Bloodbath in Paradise. He also entertained the crowd with Guitar Solo, Miracle Man, Sweet Leaf, War Pigs, Tattooed Dancer, Drum Solo, Iron Man, Crazy Train, and Paranoid, which served as the evening's encore. In 1980, Osbourne launched his first album as a solo artist at the Glasgow Apollo, kicking off the Blizzard of Ozz Tour in front of a sold-out crowd on 12 September. The Prince of Darkness returned to Glasgow in December 1982, when he was pictured feeding pigeons in George Square ahead of a gig at the Apollo. Known for his curly locks, Osbourne demonstrated a different style that day, posing with short hair, allegedly out of a desire to reduce demand for his services. And in 1983, Osbourne held a third gig at the Apollo, alongside Glasgow rock band Heavy Pettin'. Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne has died, age 76. Speaking about the 1980 gig, Andy Shields posted to the Glasgow Apollo online forum: 'I went to the gig (Ozzy's first gig as Blizzard of Oz). I don't have the ticket but I still have the programme somewhere, and I moved down south not long after and didn't get to many more gigs at the Apollo.' Dee Bomber commented: 'I remember that Brad Gillis was playing guitar on that tour. It was a basic show with little special effects but brilliant none the less, just the band on stage playing music and it was great. 'I have since seen him in the US on bigger stages with all the effects but does not come close to the Apollo gig for atmosphere and crowd participation.' Colin McKee added: 'I have my ticket stub for December 1980. Row GG 30 in the stalls. The crowd was incredible. What a year.' In one of her autobiographies, Sharon Osbourne recalled his first gig as a solo artist. She wrote: 'Glaswegians were said to be the most difficult of any audience in Britain, especially on a Friday night, which this was, when they got paid and got p****d. 'I didn't tell Ozzy - he was nervous enough already, on and off the toilet shaking with stage fright... Before the doors opened they were lining up round the block, and we were all in shock. The show was unbelievable." Read more: Ozzy Osbourne dies at the age of 76, family announces MTV EMAs in Glasgow: Slash and Biffy Clyro close awards with rock tribute to Ozzy Osbourne Ozzy Osbourne reveals he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease Sharon Osbourne added: "At the end, Ozzy knelt down and kissed the stage. 'Thank you, thank you, I love you, love you," he said, his voice breaking with emotion. And we all cried, the three of us: Ozzy, Randy and me, sobbing with tears of joy, and we could still hear voices from the auditorium calling for more… He had done it." A statement released by his family on Tuesday evening reads: 'It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. 'He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.'
Time Business News
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Status Quo announce long-awaited expanded edition of classic Status Quo – Live! album
The deluxe edition package of Status Quo – Live! includes three complete sets recorded in Glasgow in 1976 Status Quo have confirmed details of the long-awaited expanded edition of their classic 1976 live album Status Quo-live!.The eight-CD package will arrive via Edsel Records on May 16 and include a newly remastered version of the original release – compiled from recordings taped over three nights at the Glasgow Apollo in Scotland in October 1976 – in addition to the three sets in their entirety The set will be released as a 7' box containing the 8CDs, and a 24-page illustrated booklet featuring 4000 words of liner notes from Classic Rock writer and unofficial boogie brother #1 Dave Ling and an article by AVP Studio's Andy Gamble, who was responsible for the remastering. In addition, a double vinyl version of the show recorded on October 27, 1976 will be released on April 12, Record Store Day. It'll be available in two coloured vinyl variants, blue and 'ticket stub mint.' Full tracklist below. Status Quo – Live!: Super Deluxe Edition tracklist Disc One: Live! Junior's Wailing Backwater Just Take Me Is There A Better Way In My Chair Little Lady Most Of The Time Rain Forty-Five Hundred Times DISC TWO: Live! Roll Over Lay Down Big Fat Mama Don't Waste My Time Roadhouse Blues Caroline Bye Bye Johnny DISC THREE : 27th October 1976 Junior's Wailing Backwater Just Take Me Is There A Better Way In My Chair Little Lady Most Of The Time Rain Forty-Five Hundred Times DISC FOUR: 27th October 1976 Roll Over Lay Down Big Fat Mama Don't Waste My Time Roadhouse Blues Caroline Bye Bye Johnny DISC FIVE : 28th October 1976 Junior's Wailing Backwater Just Take Me Is There A Better Way In My Chair Little Lady Most Of The Time Rain Forty-Five Hundred Times DISC SIX: 28th October 1976 Roll Over Lay Down Big Fat Mama Don't Waste My Time Roadhouse Blues Caroline Bye Bye Johnny DISC SEVEN : 29th October 1976 Junior's Wailing Backwater Just Take Me Is There A Better Way In My Chair Little Lady Most Of The Time Rain Forty-Five Hundred Times DISC EIGHT: 29th October 1976 Roll Over Lay Down Big Fat Mama Don't Waste My Time Roadhouse Blues Caroline Bye Bye Johnny TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Herald Scotland
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
When time ran out for the Glasgow Apollo
The venue's peak came during the Seventies and for those of us who were there then, it, and the many gigs we saw there, remain among the defining images of that decade. Alongside, perhaps, the Old Grey Whistle Test, John Peel's cult radio shows, and enthusiastic reading of the music weeklies – Sounds, NME, Melody Maker for news of the latest vinyl and tour dates. Not to mention, of course, the music of the time, whether it was punk and new wave, the Eagles, the Stones, prog, glam, heavy metal or soul. The Apollo memories are imperishable. Many of the bands that played the venue are, like the Apollo itself, no more, having broken up for one reason or another: 'musical differences', frustration over a lack of success, a desire to follow individual dreams. But a gratifying number of groups are still thriving today: Neil Young, the Stones, the Cure, Status Quo, Rod Stewart, Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, Robert Plant, the Rezillos, Robin Trower, AC/DC, Rod Stewart, Alice Cooper, Eric Clapton, Hawkwind, Jethro Tull, Jackson Browne, Van Morrison. Santana, too. Led by Carlos Santana, who turns 78 next month, they entertained the OVO Hydro just a few nights ago, nearly half a century after their last appearance in Renfield Street. And then there's Paul Weller, of course; it was his old band, The Style Council, who brought the curtain down on the Apollo on Sunday, June 16, 1985. Time has been busy catching up with other Apollo acts. Black Sabbath are bowing out with a huge farewell gig at Birmingham's Villa Park on July 5. That same night, a few miles away elsewhere in the city, Jeff Lynne's ELO will play the first of five last-ever concerts – two in Birmingham, two in Manchester, and one in London's Hyde Park. Elkie Brooks, who experienced the Apollo on a handful of occasions in the latter years of its existence, is on a Long Farewell Tour. In August, The Who will embark on their North America Farewell Tour, To look through the comprehensive gig listings curated by the people behind the excellent Glasgow Apollo website is to be reminded the astonishing wealth of gigs that took place there, across so many genres. The names of some of the acts – Renaissance, Rare Bird, drummer Ginger Baker's group Baker-Gurvitz Army, the all-female US rockers Fanny, Gentle Giant, Kokomo, Glencoe, Golden ('Radar Love') Earring, the Groundhogs, Traffic, Japan's Sadistic Mika Group – are familiar to fans of a certain vintage today. Less familiar, possibly, are Tea, who supported Baker Gurvitz Army in 1975; Dave and the Mistakes, who opened for Elvis Costello and the Attractions in 1981; and Sandii & the Sunsetz, another Japanese group, who were the support act for (of course) Japan in 1982. It's interesting to look back at the music weeklies and see what they made of certain concerts. Here's a small selection: * 'Heat, dust, smoke, lasers and Genesis combined to turn the Glasgow Apollo into a replica of Dante's Inferno when the band descended on the city on Friday night' – Melody Maker, July 1976. * 'Rory G[allagher] made it however, and played an undeniably proficient over two-hour set to the most rapturous reception I've seen in ages. The audience was crazy, drunken, happy, and collectively about as intelligent as the average tree-stump: in short, all the jolly working-class virtues that made me leave Glasgow in the first place' – Sounds, April 1978. * 'Fred Turner [of Bachman Turner Overdrive] is a real sweathog of a bass player. Whether he's hungrily engulfing chip sandwiches in a Glasgow hotel under the lights of a documentary film crew, or bouncing all over the Apollo stage until the lighting towers begin to develop major instabilities, you gotta admit the dude is, like, heavy, man. He ought to do a seesaw act with Leslie West' – NME, May 1975. * 'As a unit [Lynyrd Skynyrd] peaked with 'Tuesday's Gone', which took on a church atmosphere – in Glasgow the audience even started the Terrace Sway.... In Glasgow, the entire audience sang 'Free Bird' in its entirety. That's freaky (good-freaky), 3,000 people singing homage to a guitarist [Duane Allman] they've never seen' – Sounds, February 1976. * 'Backstage at the Apollo the theatre photographer is taking a group shot of the Rolling Stones receiving their trophies earned by selling out the three shows there. 'More ANIMATION pleeeze,' Jagger shouts good naturedly to the nervous photographer. 'When the Faces played here they could only afford one trophy', Woody [Ron Wood] informs the gathering, 'so we gave it to Tetsu [Yamauchi] to make him feel wanted'. Tonight each band member gets their own special souvenir. Just another memory. Keith gives his to Marlon [his son]' – Sounds, April 1976. * 'For Scotland, the Pretender changed tactics. Wearing a tartan wool scarf, he concentrated on rock 'n' roll. It was such good rock that it made me think maybe the Eagles aren't the best American rock 'n' roll band. Maybe the best American rock 'n' roll band is Jackson Browne ... Browne's initial self-centred introspection gently fades away. The Glasgow Apollo was cold, and Jackson Browne wanted to warm the place up with some powerfully generated rock. I almost thought he'd do 'Whole Lotta Shakin'' – Sounds, December 1976. The Apollo was noted, then, for many things: for its unassailable place on the Scottish gig circuit, for the rampant fervour with which many groups were greeted, for the less-than-salubrious nature of its backstage facilities. It all added up to a brilliant, authentic venue. The Apollo was living on borrowed time 40 years ago, however. The outcry that had greeted an earlier closure date, in 1978, when the venue's operators were granted a licence to turn it into a bingo hall, was decidedly more muted in the run-up to the Style Council farewell in 1985. As to why, David Belcher, the Herald's music writer, had this to say: 'The answer on everyone's lips is the Scottish Exhibition Centre, which has been bruited as having the ability to stage five to 10 10,000-seater per year along with up to 40 annual 2,000-seater shows'. Belcher also noted that the Apollo was damp and crumbling and that its fabric had deteriorated alarmingly over the last five years – not surprisingly, perhaps, given that the place had opened, as Green's Playhouse, back in 1927. The Apollo's time was up, then. But who could possibly have guessed in 1985 that its absence would be mourned, four decades later? RUSSELL LEADBETTER
