While several music luminaries have offered online tributes to Ozzy Osbourne, the rock legend who died July 22 at the age of 76, former Van Halen vocalist David Lee Roth did his from the stage.
At his July 22 appearance at the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles, Calif., Roth spoke about Osbourne from the stage during his set, recalling a 1978 tour of England in which Van Halen joined Black Sabbath on the road.
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“Ozzy Osbourne and I became very, very good friends on that tour,” Roth said. “The sad news is that he has departed…And I once asked a Buddhist monk, do you think there’s laughter in heaven? And he told me, no, I don’t think so. So, Ozzy Osbourne save me a seat, and when I get to hell, we’ll have a drink, brother.”
Roth and his band then launched into the song “Atomic Punk” from Van Halen’s acclaimed self-titled 1978 debut album.
Fans reacted positively to video of Roth’s tribute posted on YouTube.
“David Lee is The Great One. The greatest of ALL TIME. We love him eternally. When he’s 120, if he still wants to sing for us, we’ll line up and pay to scream for him. My first love. 💋❤🔥💔,” one wrote.
“Pure happiness!!!,” another commented.
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Fans also left comments on Instagram where a clip from the show was posted on the Van Halen Brasil account.
“We love you Dave !!! We love Ozzy !!!!” wrote one.
“Ozzy the real Atomic Punk!” added another.
“Pure class all the way,” added a third fan.
Roth begins another series of dates on July 31 at Hard Rock Live in Davie, Fla., including stops in Tampa, Atlantic City, Cincinnati, Las Vegas, and San Diego. The tour runs through Sept. 14 in Napa, Calif.
