RIP Jimmy Copley

Sad news arrived this morning about Tony's friend, drummer Jimmy Copley, who worked with Tony on his solo albums Iommi 2000 and 1996 Dep Sessions with Glenn Hughes. Jimmy was affected with Leukemia, and was given few weeks of life by doctors, just a couple of days ago. Tony and his guitar tech Mike Clement went to visit him to hospital just other day... Jimmy passed the day after Tony's visit. 

Jimmy's work lives in our hearts... he had a very distinctive personal drum style, remarkable talent. He was largely a session musician who has worked with Jeff Beck, Graham Parker, Upp, Paul Young, Roger Glover, Magnum, Ian Gillan and Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple, Go West, Killing Joke, Tears for Fears, Seal, Paul Rodgers and many others. Also he was the drummer with Manfred Mann's Earth Band since 2007. We listen and enjoy his great work on Tony's compositions as Laughing Man In The Devil Mask, Patterns, and the whole Dep Sessions today. Jimmy Copley sadly missed but not forgotten. 

That's what Tony posted on his social networks today...

"My friend Jimmy Copley lost his battle with Leukemia the day after Mike Clement and I went to visit him in hospital. So sad... he was a brilliant drummer and a fantastic man. He worked with me on my solo album and on the Dep Sessions with Glenn Hughes and myself. We had some great times together and lots of laughs. He was a really wonderful person who loved playing. We'll miss you Jimmy. My condolences to his family at this time.RIP my friend,Tony"

From all Iommifans in the world - rest in peace. Jimmy Copley 1953 - 14 May 2017.

Iommi.com, 14 May 2017