'Ozzy Osbourne caused traffic jams in our village'

Frank Andrews was studio manager for Ozzy Osbourne on the recording of his album Diary of a Madman in 1981

Two brothers have been reminiscing on how Ozzy Osbourne spent months staying at their Surrey home while recording two studio albums.

The rock legend, who died on Tuesday aged 76, recorded Blizzard of Ozz in 1980 and Diary of a Madman in 1981 at Ridge Farm, near Capel, one of the first residential studios in the country.

Frank Andrews, who was the studio manager, said Osbourne was "such fun" and remembered it being "a really enjoyable time".

He added that the singer "spent a lot of his time" at nearby pub, The Plough, in Rusper, West Sussex, managed by his brother Billy.

The Black Sabbath star came to record in Surrey having signed to Jet Records, with his future wife, Sharon, present as his manager.

Each album took about six weeks to record.

Mr Andrews told BBC Radio Surrey: "Ozzy was quite the character.

"The sessions were very nocturnal. It was a lot of hard work.

"But there were a lot of parties too."

The site on the Surrey/Sussex border is no longer a recording studio, but a wedding venue.

Speaking of the rock star's death, announced on Tuesday evening, Mr Andrews said: "It's very sad.

"I was really surprised to hear of it so soon after his farewell gig in Birmingham."

Billy Andrews, Frank's brother, ran the pub in Rusper where Ozzy used to drink while recording the albums.

He told BBC Radio Sussex: "Ozzy liked the pub very much.

"We have all got memories of such a lot of fun.

Ozzy Osbourne performed his farewell gig in Birmingham earlier in July

"He was a very funny guy who always brought laughter, whatever the circumstances."

He added: "He was wild but everybody loved it."

Mr Andrews said the arrival of the rock star in the village caused traffic jams.

"When Ozzy was there word spread and it became very difficult to drive through the village as fans flocked to the area.

"Everybody was spread all over the road."

Mr Andrews said he was "privileged" to listen to the recordings at his family home.

"He'd get us all to listen to it and ask us what we thought."

He added: "We have lost an icon and a great man.

"What a guy. What a life. He was the kind prince of darkness."