British rock’n roll star Ozzy Osbourne, frontman of Black Sabbath, visited Cuba this week accompanied by his son, Jack Osbourne, to take part in the shooting of a History Channel film.
The Osbournes toured Old Havana and paid a visit to a statue of Ozzy’s fellow British musician John Lennon, that shows the ex-Beatle sitting on a bench in a park.
The park and a nearby rock’n roll night club have been a traditional gathering place for Cuban rock’n roll lovers.
The Godfather of Heavy Metal arrived at the park riding an impressive vintage convertible, followed by the cameramen of the History Channel.
Cuba was the eighth stop on a travel itinerary that includes several cities of the world, with stays of around 4 days in each country.
Asked if he’d like to give a concert in Havana, he said yes, but a local expert said that the possibility is very narrow. Guille Vilar, a musicologist and rock band manager said that it wouldn’t be as easy as organizing one of the concerts that other foreign musicians have offered recently.
“Rock concerts have other requirements,” said Vilar, “big stages, lights, and sound systems we don’t have. And there’s also the business issues. He, as a musician, may want to play here, but that’s not a decision for him to make alone.”
Osbourne’s visit was welcomed with excitement by local fans in Cuba, where Black Sabbath and his solo work are very well known.
