Posts Tagged ‘osbourne’

Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler Offers New Details on Upcoming Album + Tour Plans

Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com The new year is bringing a new Black Sabbath album, their first original disc with Ozzy Osbourne since 1978′s ‘Never Say Die!’ Though the group was unable to work out their contract dispute with drummer Bill Ward , they’re forging ahead with the new music and their first extended touring since regrouping. Bassist Geezer Butler addressed the upcoming disc as well as the band’s drummer situation in a video interview with 96.7 KCAL Rocks . According to Butler, the ‘ 13 ‘ disc has a familiar feel. He explains, “It’s sort of got the feel of the first three albums — back to the basic rawness. And the lyrics are very … they’re just about life … life and death and doom and everything else. You get Prozac with every album.” The bassist revealed that even though the members are very familiar with each other, this was a different recording process as all of the members were completely sober. “It’s been more professional in that way,” says Butler. “We’ve stuck to a schedule every day. We’d go in at one o’clock and finish at six, just to keep everything fresh. Five hours a day — that’s it.” As for the decision to invite Rage Against the Machine ‘s Brad Wilk to play drums on the effort, Butler credits that call to producer Rick Rubin. “He didn’t want a typical heavy metal drummer on the album,” says Butler. “It’s not really a heavy metal album. It’s more of a rock … heavy rock. And Rick Rubin suggested Brad cause he’s more in the vein of Bill Ward. So we jammed with him and he sounded great with the stuff, so we went with that … It’s sort of back to the way we used to be in the ’70s. That’s his feel — sort of a jazzy, bluesy feel to him, and that’s the way the music is now. It was great working with him.” Though the band employed Wilk in the studio and Tommy Clufetos when touring last year, Butler revealed that they hadn’t decided on a touring drummer for this year’s dates. Black Sabbath’s ’13′ album is expected in June. For more on Butler’s discussion on the current health updates of Ozzy Osbourne and Tony Iommi , watch the video interview below. Watch Black Sabbath Bassist Geezer Butler Discuss the Band’s Next Album [button href=”http://loudwire.com/ozzy-osbourne-suffers-injuries-house-fire/” title=”Next: Ozzy Osbourne Suffers Injuries in House Fire” align=”center”]

10 Best Ozzy Osbourne Solo Songs

Larry Busacca, Getty Images As the ’70s turned into the ’80s, Ozzy Osbourne was trying to figure out his next move after his ousting from Black Sabbath . What he did was embark on a very successful solo career that was lasted more than 30 years. In addition to releasing a number of memorable tunes over the past three decades, Ozzy has selected some virtuoso musicians to record with him, including the incomparable Randy Rhoads and the very talented Zakk Wylde. While Osbourne has reunited with Sabbath on several occasions and is recording a new album with the heavy metal legends, we’re taking a look at some of the best music that Osbourne’s solo career has produced. So, stick with us as we take our “shot in the dark” at counting down the 10 Best Ozzy Osbourne Solo Songs: 10 ‘Over the Mountain’ From: ‘Diary of a Madman’ (1981) If you need some drums to kick your ass, Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘Over the Mountain’ might just do the trick. Lee Kerslake’s furious flurry of beats not only kicks off the song but also offers the opening notes of the ‘Diary of a Madman’ album. The fantastical Osbourne track takes listeners through a dreamland with an invitation to join him on his journey. Listen to ‘Over the Mountain’ 9 ‘Suicide Solution’ From: ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ (1980) ‘Suicide Solution’ may be the most controversial songs Ozzy Osbourne has ever released. Osbourne stated that the song was a tribute to the late Bon Scott, who died of alcohol poisoning, while bassist Bob Daisley who wrote the track says that Osbourne himself, who was struggling with alcoholism, was the inspiration. There was also the matter of the title, which sparked a lawsuit when a depressed teen shot himself. But controversy or not, the song rocks with Randy Rhoads’ chugging guitar and Osbourne’s wail leading the way. Listen to ‘Suicide Solution’ 8 ‘Gets Me Through’ From: ‘Down to Earth’ (2001) What is Ozzy really all about? The singer attempted to clear it up in the 2001 song ‘Gets Me Through,’ which he wrote as a thank you and explanation to his fans. In the song, Osbourne states, “ I’m not the Anti-Christ or the Iron Man ,” thus separating the man from the image. The song itself starts with keyboard before guitarist Zakk Wylde, bassist Robert Trujillo and drummer Mike Bordin grunge up this trudging rocker. Listen to ‘Gets Me Through’ 7 ‘Mr. Crowley’ From: ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ (1980) ‘Mr. Crowley’ is a solid choice for the 10 best Ozzy Osbourne songs as it smoothed the singer’s transition from Black Sabbath frontman to solo artist. Osbourne’s dark side fully intact, the singer created a song about black magic practitioner Aleister Crowley and his sinister ways. The track launches with the distinctive organ solo from Don Airey before the rhythmic rocker kicks in. Listen to ‘Mr. Crowley’ 6 ‘Shot in the Dark’ From: ‘The Ultimate Sin’ (1986) ‘Shot in the Dark’ makes the 10 best Ozzy Osbourne songs as one of the more instantly recognizable tracks of the singer’s career. The catchy mid-’80s rocker was penned by bassist Phil Soussan and altered to Osbourne’s specifications. Easily one of the more radio-friendly songs of the singer’s career, the track does still rock with wailing guitar work from Jake E. Lee and a driving beat laid down by Randy Castillo. Listen to ‘Shot in the Dark’ 5 ‘Flying High Again’ From: ‘Diary of a Madman’ (1981) Osbourne’s affinity for drugs did occasionally find its way into song and ‘Flying High Again’ is a perfect example. In the lyrics, Osbourne shares his concern, stating, “ Mama’s gonna worry / I been a bad, bad boy / No use sayin’ sorry / It’s something I enjoy .” Then rationalizing his behavior, he adds, “ If you could be inside of me / you’d see, you’d see what light I see / flyin’ high again, alright! “ Listen to ‘Flying High Again’ 4 ‘Mama I’m Coming Home’ From: ‘No More Tears’ (1991) Here’s the rare non-rocker on our list of 10 best Ozzy Osbourne songs. But this song was a major hit in the era of the power ballad and its success was all the sweeter for Osbourne as it was a love song to his wife Sharon. The track, co-written with Zakk Wylde and Lemmy Kilmister , was penned about his proposed retirement from music and his return home to his lady love after his support of the album was complete. Listen to ‘Mama I’m Coming Home’ 3 ‘Bark at the Moon’ From: ‘Bark at the Moon’ (1983) ‘Bark at the Moon’ finds Osbourne once again digging into mythical territory for inspiration, as the track follows a beast that terrorizes a town, was killed and then was resurrected to wreak even more havoc. Musically, the guitar work from Jake E. Lee is top notch with a driving riff that is easily one of the most recognizable licks from Osbourne’s catalog. Listen to ‘Bark at the Moon’ 2 ‘No More Tears’ From: ‘No More Tears’ (1991) Ozzy Osbourne stated in his ‘Prince of Darkness’ liner notes that the song ‘No More Tears’ was “a gift from God,” and we’re not ones to disagree. The Bob Daisley bass line that opens the track pulls the listener in, while chugging Zakk Wylde guitar licks propel the song’s verses. The track also features an extensive bridge infused with keyboards, piano and what sounds like a string backing before finishing out with a fury. Listen to ‘No More Tears’ 1 ‘Crazy Train’ From: ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ (1980) No surprise here — ‘Crazy Train’ is the best Ozzy Osbourne song of all time. It’s the song that signified that Osbourne’s move to a solo career was a wise one. Guitarist Randy Rhoads “doubled” his parts for the song’s very difficult solo, in the process delivering one of the most admired licks in rock history. As for the lyrical content, Osbourne addressed the crazy state of the world during the Cold War and offered the uplifting message, “ Maybe it’s not too late / To learn how to love and forget how to hate .” Simply put, ‘Crazy Train’ is not only one of Ozzy’s best, but one of the best rock songs ever. Listen to ‘Crazy Train’ What Is Your Favorite Ozzy Osbourne Song? We’ve show you our list and now it’s your turn to tell us if we got it right. What is your favorite Ozzy Osbourne song and did it make the list where you think it should have? Is there something we completely missed that you can’t believe didn’t make the cut? If so, what song would you knock off to replace it? Let us know your thoughts on the 10 Best Ozzy Osbourne Solo Songs list in the comments section below.

Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘Crazy Train’ Covered by Broadway Vet Rena Strober + Cellist Tina Guo

YouTube Ozzy Osbourne ‘s ‘Crazy Train’ has become one of the great songs in metal history and as such, it’s also been one of the most covered tracks in the genre. The latest artist to take a stab at the song is Broadway veteran Rena Strober, who along with acclaimed cellist Tina Guo, serve up a more clean-cut version of the classic song. Strober and Guo both make appearances in the new video, which has been dubbed ‘Crazy Train: The Wizard of Ozzy.’ While the wholesome look of Strober in the clip may not be exactly what some would expect to match the song’s lyrical content, the singer no less delivers the track with a full voice and a hint of “crazy” in her eyes and smile. Meanwhile, Guo is ferociously awesome on the standup electric bass and the fury at which she’s attacking the instrument is embellished a bit by the shaky camera movements. Strober has enjoyed a solid run on the stage, appearing the Broadway version of ‘Les Miserables,’ staging her one-woman show ‘Spaghetti & Matzo Balls,’ and touring the country in a production of ‘Fiddler on the Roof.’ She’s also released her own album called ‘Finding Home.’ Guo has managed to meld both classical playing and a rock/metal fusion into her cello style. She’s worked primarily creating music for motion pictures, video games and television scores. Most recently, Guo has been the featured soloist on the electric cello for Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson ‘The Immortal’ World Tour. She was also featured as part of the Foo Fighters lineup for the Grammy Awards. As for Osbourne, he’s enjoyed a career as both a solo artist and member of Black Sabbath . He also was recently named President of Heavy Metal in a Loudwire election. Watch Rena Strober and Tina Guo’s Video for ‘Crazy Train’ [button href=”http://loudwire.com/ozzy-osbourne-little-nicky-cameo/” title=”Next: Ozzy Osbourne – Musician Movie Cameos” align=”center”]

Sharon Osbourne Reveals She Had a Double Mastectomy

Christopher Polk, Getty Images In a new interview with Hello! magazine, Ozzy Osbourne ‘s wife,  Sharon Osbourne , made the surprising revelation that she recently opted for a double mastectomy after doctors told her she carried a gene that put her at risk for breast cancer. It was a relatively simple decision for Osbourne, who suffered through colon cancer 10 years ago. Describing it as “a no-brainer,” she told the magazine, “I didn’t even think of my breasts in a nostalgic way, I just wanted to be able to live my life without that fear all the time.” Also factoring into her decision: Experiencing the joy of being a first-time grandmother after Jack , Sharon’s son with Ozzy, recently celebrated the birth of his first child with new bride Lisa Stelly. As Sharon put it, “I didn’t want to live the rest of my life with that shadow hanging over me. I want to be around for a long time and be a grandmother to Pearl.” It’s been a year full of health drama for the Osbourne clan — earlier this year, the family publicly struggled with Jack’s multiple sclerosis diagnosis . Here’s hoping they manage to find a long period of relative normalcy after the extreme highs and lows of 2012. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/rob-zombie-vs-ozzy-osbourne-president-of-heavy-metal-election-finals/” title=”Next: Ozzy Competes for President of Heavy Metal” align=”center”]

Jack Osbourne Reveals Detailed Account of Aiding a Drowning Woman in Hawaii

? Ethan Miller, Getty Images Jack Osbourne ’s honeymoon in Hawaii recently turned into a rescue mission when he and his friend were called upon to help a woman who was drowning. Osbourne recently opened up about the incident on his Facebook page, filling in all the details. “On Oct. 8, I was approached by a family member telling me he had just seen a woman being pulled out of the water who’d drowned. I grabbed my friend Tyler who was a former Army operator and went to see if we could be of assistance,” Jack starts off. “In case you are not aware, I was a police reserve for 5 years and have had a lot of training in CPR and as a first responder. I am not an EMT or paramedic, but I have assisted in resuscitating individuals in the past.” That training would come in handy as Osbourne and his friend descended on the woman needing help. “When Tyler and I arrived on the scene, the woman was not conscious and had approximately five people assisting in an attempt to resuscitate her,” Osbourne explained. “A neurosurgeon from Japan had taken charge in trying to manage the chaos though she did not speak much English. The woman had a J-tube in her airway, and the defibrillator had already been used. Two women were assisting in chest compressions, and another was operating the Ambu bag.” From there the woman was transported from the beach on a spine board on a cart and Osbourne, his friend, and another good Samaritan rode with her to the front of the hotel and continued administering CPR along the way. The EMTs arrived minutes later and Osbourne delivered the woman into their capable hands. In response to what Osbourne referred to as some “oddly hostile and rather rude” comments made about him regarding the situation, Osbourne made it clear that he wasn’t claiming to be a hero of any kind, just helping someone in need. “As soon as the EMT’s arrived, I backed away and let them take over,” Osbourne recounts. “I never said I was the sole contributor in the rescue. In fact, I haven’t said anything at all. The last thing I want to do is take all of the credit when in fact there were a few people who helped save her life.” The good news is, the woman seems to be on the mend. “From what I’ve heard, she’s doing better and is now awake. I hope she has a speedy recovery,” Osbourne concluded. Osbourne’s full statement regarding the situation can be read on his Facebook page here . [button href=”Ozzy Osbourne’s Son Jack Osbourne Marries Lisa Stelly in Hawaii” title=”Ozzy Osbourne’s Son Jack Osbourne Marries Lisa Stelly in Hawaii” align=”center”]

Daily Reload: Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, Hottest Rockstar Wives + More

Larry Busacca, Getty Images Here’s a look at the top stories of the day on Loudwire and around the Web: Ozzy Osbourne and wife Sharon Osbourne are set to appear on ‘CBS Sunday Morning’ this weekend. Read some of the show’s transcript where Ozzy shared his fear of Sharon’s death when she was stricken with colon cancer in 2002. [ Loudwire ] Metallica have taken Green Day ‘s vacated headlining spot on the 2012 ‘Voodoo Music + Arts Experience’ with Billie Joe Armstrong recently heading to rehab for substance abuse issues. [ Loudwire ] What’s one of the greatest perks about being a rockstar? Hot chicks love you! See some of the Hottest Rockstar Wives here. [ Loudwire ] A Beatles penis painting … yes, penis painting … has been defaced at the Museum of Liverpool. [ Ultimate Classic Rock ] Did Paul Ryan steal ‘bean’ anecdote from Kurt Cobain and his daughter Frances Bean Cobain for the 2012 Vice Presidential debate? [ Diffuser.fm ] Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett talks’Too Much Horror Business’ at book signing in New York City. [ Ultimate Metallica ] John Fogerty returns to studio to complete new album. [ Rock Music Report ]

Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne to Appear on ‘CBS Sunday Morning’

Kevin Winter, Getty Images Heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon Osbourne, are set to appear on ‘CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood’ this weekend (Oct. 14). And don’t worry, you won’t have to miss any football to check it out. It seems as though Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne have been swarmed by cameras non-stop for the last decade. As stars of the iconic celeb-reality program ‘The Osbournes,’ Ozzy and Sharon have dealt with some of their most devastating moments on film. On the Sunday morning show, the  Black Sabbath  singer tells  interviewer Lee Cowan,  “I watched my wife battle cancer for nine months, having three chemotherapy treatments for nine months. And every time she’d have her chemotherapy she’d get really whacked out and she’d be throwing up and seizures and all this. I was like, ‘I’m watching my wife die in front of the cameras.’” Sharon has been a TV personality on ‘The Sharon Osbourne Show’ both in the US and the UK, ‘The X Factor,’ ‘America’s Got Talent,’ ‘Rock of Love: Charm School,’ ‘Osbournes: Reloaded’ and ‘The Talk.’ Meanwhile, Ozzy and Sharon’s son Jack Osbourne recently married  Lisa Stelly in Hawaii last weekend, and a day later  saved a drowning swimmer . Jack also recently welcome his first child into the world, but was soon after diagnosed with multiple sclerosis . With all of these topics in the public eye, the interview with surely be a revealing one. Be sure check out ‘CBS Sunday Morning’ on Sunday, Oct. 14 at 9am ET for the interview with metal’s Mr. and Mrs. ‘Prince of Darkness.’ [button href=”http://loudwire.com/jack-osbourne-and-friend-rescue-drowning-woman-in-hawaii/” title=”Next: Jack Osbourne Saves Drowning Woman” align=”center”]