‘Ozzy Osbourne? I Couldn’t Give A Rat’s Ass,’ Says Zakk Wylde
Zakk Wylde has finally reacted to Ozzy Osbourne’s exclusive interview with Classic Rock last month, where the frontman said he’s planning to get a new guitar player. Needless to say, Zakk is not a happy bunny…
Ozzy told Classic Rock’s Scott Rowley: “I’m getting a new guitar player as we speak… I haven’t fallen out with Zakk, but Zakk’s got his own band, and I felt like my stuff was beginning to sound like Black Label Society. I just felt like I wanted a change, y’know?”
Wylde’s wife later Tweeted that all was “OK” with Osbourne, but Wylde himself doesn’t seem to think so.
Wylde told Oregon’s 101.5 KFLY radio station: “The boss [Ozzy] hasn’t even given me a phone call, so I mean… I’m just like… I don’t know what’s going on over there. Are we doing this thing or are we not doing it? When I keep getting asked these questions, I go, ‘Call the boss. When he tells you, then he can call me back.’ I mean, it’s just like… I love you, man. Whatever you want, that’s cool.
“But if we’re doing this, let’s do it, and let’s whoop some ass. But if you don’t wanna do it, then just give me a heads-up. Call me, man. Tell me what the hell’s going on. I don’t know what the hell’s going on over there.
“We’re working on the new record, we’ll be back in September, we’ll work on finishing the record. And then we’re supposed to do the tour. I mean, it’s like, dude, you don’t wanna play with me anymore? Fine. Play with whoever the hell you wanna play with. I couldn’t give a rat’s ass. Like I’m gonna get all jealous or whatever. But you know what?! Man up and give me a phone call and tell me what the hell’s going on. You finished with me? Cool.
“I mean, it’s just like… Everything’s sounding like Black Label? I guess everything sounded like Black Label when I first started with you, when I was 19. It was still the same guy; I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
I wouldn’t mind if Zakk isn’t part of Ozzy’s band anymore. “Ozzmosis”, “Down to Earth” and “Black Rain” were far from spectacular.
Both Gus G. (Firewind) and Jake E. Lee would be good choices for Ozzy’s band. And I’d love to see Rudy Sarzo and Tommy Aldridge back as Ozzy’s rhythm section.
Ozzy sounding like BLS??? He should be so lucky….he shoulda packed it in a long time ago…BLS stuff is far superior to Ozzy’s stuff anyhow….maybe Sharon will play guitar, let’s face it, she does everything else!!!
Good shout Herman,
Gus G would be a brilliant idea, although I doubt he would pack in his band. I saw them supporting Stratovarius in May and they were great.
Zakk Wylde supported Ozzy in 2007, so Firewind could support Ozzy in 2010.
Both are legends that is maybe where it’s all gone pear shaped. Zakk doesn’t need Ozzy but is a loyal friend/band member and maybe behind the scenes Ozzy and his banshee are feeling a bit overshadowed. I love them both but Zakk is still a vital cog in hard rock whereas Ozzy has turned more towards KISS like merchandise machine. Does Ozzy have anything left to offer I’m not sure to be fair I don’t think his heart is in it anymore. I feel he wants to retire but is being forced into the studio and on the road by his promotors, he’s like a tired George Foreman not knowing when to give it up!
Zakk Wylde out of the big O’s band. How will the world continue on………..?
Oh yeah………. I’ll just listen to Heaven and Hell instead.
its time for a change zakk had make better cds then any other guitarist that ozzy ever had since randy still BLS a killer band
John 5’s name was being thrown around. I’d be curious to hear what he’d bring to the table.
I refuse to believe that the Osbourne Mob would ever treat anyone like shit…..
Long time Ozzy and Sabbath fan as well as BLS. Ozzy needs Zakk to stay relevant in my opinion.
Zack and ozzy were great together, but the last few Cd’s haven’t been that great. BLS are fantasic, ozzy was fantastic. A change is what is needed, oh, and Zack Ozz is right It was all turning a little BLS. Now we can have 2 amazing bands.
Good luck to both parties.
The last two Ozzy offerings were marginal at best, and it would seem that most people forget that he tried to “better deal” Zakk a few years back with Steve Vai. The reason given for that union not panning out was “record lable BS.”
If you want something new, say it, and most of us will applaud your honesty! John 5 is an intriguing musician, though there are others who might work also, we just need to keep and open mind..
zakks better of without him the best thing black sabbath ever did was firing him for dio