Massive Ozzy Osbourne mural appears in Welsh town
A stunning piece of street art commemorating the life of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne has appeared in a Welsh town.
The mural has appeared on the side wall of Kenny’s Vinyl Vault in Abertillery.
The music shop’s owner Kenny Kendrick wanted to pay tribute to the Black Sabbath’s iconic frontman, who died earlier this year, and launched a crowdfunder to pay for the work.
“The motivation for the Ozzy mural, which we believe might be the first in Wales, came not long after his passing in July,” Kenny told the South Wales Argus.
“We always said that it would be a sad day in the Kendrick household when he dies. Ozzy was like a family member, a friend and a mentor.”
Kenny explained how the rock star had a profound effect on his life.
“I taught myself how to play the drums and was a member of three signed bands and played with heroes of mine,” he said.
The crowdfunder for the mural, which has been created by valleys’ street artist Walls by Paul was funded in less than a day.
Kenny added: “We were gobsmacked. The mural is now a community project, owned by the community of Abertillery and beyond.”
It’s been a tough assignment for artist Walls by Paul who has been battling the elements to get the work finished.
Posting on his Facebook page he said: “I’ve been battling the weather on this, getting bits done any available time I had, as the week that I had booked in for it could have been a washout. Turns out that was the right decision to make. I have a little more to do on it. Some text, and text is actually more difficult than hands and faces, that will be done this Wednesday.”
The artwork has quickly gained traction with Ozzy fans, some of whom are set to visit the town when it’s finished, prompting hopes that the artwork could become something of a tourist attraction.
The street art has already gained support from former Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell, who provided a video of support to the project.
It’s hoped the mural will be finished by December 13, when Abertillery will welcome the Mari Lwyd to the shop and town centre for the Welsh tradition of singing the Mari song and listening to the story of Rhiannon from the Mabinogi.
Kenny said: “Weather permitting, it is hoped that the mural can be completed by 13 December.
“A joint celebration with the completion of the mural is planned.”
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Get a grip, it’s about respecting a man not his nationality people really need to chill out. I am sure that Tom Jones would receive equally similar respect when his time is here.
Ozzy was well known for wanting Wales and Scotland to be allowed their independence. Also, partly down to the two rather famous recording studios near monmouth, Wales has helped many big names to the top, having this rather impressive mural just helps our country take its rightful recognition.
The Reformesque comments make Wales look stupid.
Equating a criticism of english cultural domination with Reform makes you look stupid.
Thank you for your well thought out and constructive contribution. I hope it gave you the feeling of “edginess” and “relevance” you sought.
Don’t be childish. Instead, just explain how you regard my criticism of english cultural domination as indicative of a “reformesque” attitude. Surely a reform supporter, as you erroneously seem to think I am, would welcome signs of english domination. I would love to know what torturous mental process led to your inane conclusion. And before you jump to another wrong conclusion, I will say to you, and to those Black Sabbath fans downticking my previous post, that I make no comment at all about Osbourne, the band or their music (actually I am a fan); my criticism is of yet… Read more »
Sorry fella. I’ve got zero interest in engaging with you. Have a pleasant day.
I would like to ask the people of Cymru, I am a true Liverpool fan and you can visit the ground and see many murals painted of past players from far and wide. What would be said if say Paul Mullins of England and Wrexham if a mural was painted in honour of him?