Don Airey

Don Airey launched his professional music career as a keyboardist in 1971, pursuing an eclectic path across multiple ensembles from the outset. He formed his own initial band before joining Hammer alongside Cozy Powell in 1974. That association led directly to another Powell collaboration when Airey entered Rainbow, remaining there for a period before transitioning to Ozzy Osbourne’s lineup. His prior connection to Osbourne included a guest appearance on Black Sabbath’s Never Say Die album. Several years with Osbourne’s group preceded Airey’s 1987 tenure with Jethro Tull, which ended the following year and gave way to assorted independent endeavors in the ensuing period.