Sarzo quits Blue Oyster Cult

Moving on: Rudy Sarzo

Rudy Sarzo has confirmed he’s no longer a member of Blue Oyster Cult.

The bassist, who’s previously played with Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Whitesnake and Quiet Riot, has departed on good terms after running out of time to commit to the band. He’d been with them for four years.

Sarzo tells Ultimate Classic Rock: “Due to my scheduling with other projects that I’m doing, it became a little bit hard for me to keep a really solid working schedule with BOC.

“We amicably parted ways so they can find somebody who can devote more time to the band, and I can pursue other bands that I’m doing.”

He’s been busy touring with the Dio Disciples and also working on anime-inspired project Animetal USA, which also includes singer Michael Vescera (Loudness, Yngwie Malmsteen), guitarist Chris Impellitteri and Judas Priest drummer Scott Travis. The outfit has released two albums.

But he’s keen to get busy with new band Tred, featuring sacked Anthrax singer Dan Nelson, Adrenaline Mob guitarist Mike Orlando and Twister Sister drummer AJ Pero.

“It’s very different from anything I’ve ever done before,” says Sarzo, describing the sound as “tribal funk metal” and adding: “It’s very, very powerful.”

Their debut album is due once Orlando winds up Adrenaline Mob’s current tour.