Ozzy Osbourne fans have snapped up so many of their idol's black T-shirts, action figures and slippers they have propelled him to new heights as a record-setting heavy metal merchandiser. In the past decade, the British rocker has amassed million (27 million pounds) from selling memorabilia at concerts like his Ozzfest roadshow as well as online and in retail outlets, according to licensing and merchandising company Signatures Network. The slippers and T-shirts have been among the best-selling items, but next off the line are branded fashion jeans, jackets, boots, accessories - and even an Osbourne slot machine, the company said. "I think the 'Ozzy for President' and the 'Passion of Ozzy' shirts we just released will be some of the best-selling and most popular among his fans," said the singer's wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne. "Of course, I love Ozzy so much I sleep with one of his shirts on every night." Despite a downturn in summer concert ticket sales this year, Ozzfest 2004 - featuring the Osbourne-fronted Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Slayer and Slipknot - remains healthy. Signatures Network holds the worldwide merchandising and marketing rights to more than 125 top music artists and entertainment properties, including Madonna, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Kiss, The Beatles and Tim McGraw.

DAVID BOWIE has made his first public appearance since undertaking emergency heart surgery.The legendary singer was recently diagnosed with an acutely blocked artery which required emergency surgery. He underwent heart surgery in Germany. Pictures recently posted on the star official website show Bowie out for the first time since his hospitalisation.The singer was snapped by photographers in New York Chinatown yesterday (July 27), chatting with fans and local police, and watching people play the game Mah Jong.  Bowie is expected to start working again next month.He said: "I'm so pissed off because the last ten months of this tour have been so fucking fantastic. Can't wait to be fully recovered and get back to work again. I tell you what, though, I won't be writing a song about this one."