Ozzy Osbourne’s former guitarist Bernie Tormé has passed away at the age of 66.
According to a statement from the musician’s family, he passed away on Sunday (17th March) due to severe complications with the flu.
The statement read: “Bernie Tormé passed away peacefully on the 17th March 2019, one day short of his 67th birthday, surrounded by his family,
“He had been on life support for the past four weeks at a London hospital following post-flu complications. Bernie will be remembered for dedicating his life to his music for five decades. He will be sorely missed.”
In 1979, Tormé rose to fame performing with Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan in his solo project, Gillan.
He went on to replace the late Randy Rhoads in Ozzy Osbourne’s band in 1982 but was replaced by Brad Gills after only a handful of shows, concluding that his blue style didn’t quite work with the band.
On Twitter, Osbourne wrote of the late guitarist: “What a sad day. We’ve lost another great musician, Bernie was a gentle soul with a heart of gold. He will be dearly missed. I send my sincere condolences to his family, friends and fans. Rest in Peace Bernie.”
What a sad day. We’ve lost another great musician. Bernie was a gentle soul with a heart of gold. He will be dearly missed. I send my sincere condolences to his family, friends and fans. Rest in Peace Bernie. pic.twitter.com/Nx1bCiYbkO
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) March 18, 2019
Tormé went on to join Atomic Rooster in 1983, and in the late ’80s joined Twisted Sister singer Dee Snider’s band Desperado.
On his passing, Snider wrote: “Woke up to find out my friend Bernie Tormé has died. He was a guitar god who played with Ozzy Osbourne & Ian Gillan. We worked together for 3 years, writing over 100 songs for the ill-fated Desperado. I loved that man & today my heart is broken. RIP Bernie. Your guitar weeps.”
https://twitter.com/deesnider/status/1107644275372773376
The guitarist had an active solo career, too, with his most recent album, Shadowland, being released in the tail-end of 2018.
Photo by Larry Manaro
