Posted by You ever see someone who just looks… familiar?
Years ago, while my wife and I were commuting home from New York City, we found ourselves on the same 5:54 p.m. train nearly every evening. Like many regular commuters, you begin recognizing the same faces day after day without ever exchanging a word.
One gentleman in particular always stood out.
He had a thick mustache, a stocky build, thinning curly hair, and one day he boarded the train wearing a faded denim jacket with a large “Ozzmosis” patch sewn across the back.
I had never heard of the band.
Naturally, my curiosity got the better of me.
When I arrived home that evening, I looked them up and quickly discovered that the man I’d been sharing a train car with was Jimmy Tee, drummer for one of Long Island’s premier Ozzy Osbourne tribute bands.
That simple crazy train ride opened the door to an entirely new world.
At the time, I was just beginning to discover the remarkable tribute band scene that Long Island has become famous for, and Ozzmosis immediately found its way onto my must-see list.
As luck would have it, I soon learned they were scheduled to perform at an outdoor concert near One World Trade Center. I packed my camera before leaving for work, hoping for an opportunity to photograph them.
Truthfully, I was still finding my confidence as a concert photographer.
Before the show, I introduced myself to frontman Rickey Woods, who portrays Ozzy Osbourne, and politely asked if he would mind if I took a few photographs during the performance. Back then, I was always worried about standing out or getting in the band’s way. Looking back, I probably spent more time trying to be invisible than I did taking pictures.
Fortunately, there was nothing to worry about.
From the first notes, I knew I was witnessing something special.
At the time, the lineup featured Jimmy Tee on drums, Rickey Woods as Ozzy, bassist Zeke, and the incredibly talented Mike Kelly, whose performances faithfully recreated the styles of Randy Rhoads, Jake E. Lee, Zakk Wylde, and even Tony Iommi. Since then, bassist Andre Picard has joined the band, bringing his own infectious enthusiasm and commanding stage presence to the lineup.
As I continued following Ozzmosis to venues like Revolution Music Hall and The Suffolk Theater, I realized something important.
My admiration wasn’t simply rooted in Ozzy Osbourne’s music.
It was the musicianship.
As a lifelong guitar enthusiast, I’ve always held Randy Rhoads in the same regard as Eddie Van Halen. Mike Kelly’s ability to authentically capture the nuances of each legendary guitarist—from Randy’s precision and elegance to Zakk Wylde’s unmistakable aggression—continues to impress me every time I see him perform.
Rickey Woods doesn’t merely dress like Ozzy.
He embodies him.
From the unmistakable voice and mannerisms to the playful interaction with the audience, he recreates the larger-than-life personality that has made Ozzy one of rock’s most enduring icons.
Then there’s Jimmy Tee.
Hidden behind an enormous drum kit that seems to stretch from one side of the stage to the other, it’s impossible not to wonder whether anyone could possibly use every drum assembled before them.
Then he launches into a solo…
…and suddenly the answer becomes obvious.
Completing the lineup, Andre Picard thrives on audience interaction, feeding off the crowd’s enthusiasm while giving every bit of that energy right back. It’s a connection that helps make every Ozzmosis performance feel less like a tribute concert and more like a shared celebration of heavy metal history.
That commitment to authenticity is precisely why Ozzmosis has earned such an outstanding reputation throughout the region.
Fans routinely describe them as one of the finest Ozzy Osbourne tribute acts anywhere, praising not only the remarkable musicianship but the complete concert experience. Massive illuminated crosses, dramatic fog effects, theatrical lighting, and a carefully crafted setlist transport audiences through every era of Ozzy’s legendary career—from solo classics like Crazy Train, Mr. Crowley, and Bark at the Moon to the timeless anthems of Black Sabbath.
Whether performing in intimate clubs or headlining theaters packed with devoted fans singing every lyric, Ozzmosis delivers far more than a tribute.
They recreate an experience.
Ironically, none of it would have happened for me if I hadn’t noticed a simple patch on the back of a denim jacket during my evening commute.
Sometimes, discovering great music begins long before the lights go down.
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