Ozzy interviewed about reissues, Sabbath reunion rumors.

Ozzy Osbourne in a wide ranging interview with QMI Agency's Darryl Sterdan discusses topics like the upcoming album reissues packages, Black Sabbath reunion talk, sobriety and other issues. Here is an excerpt:

What do you think of the fact that it's been 30 years since these albums came out?

“You know what comes to mind? How quickly it's gone by. It does not feel like 30 years. The time I had with Randy Rhoads seemed a lot longer than it really was, you know.”

Of all the milestones and awards in your career, which ones mean the most and are more memorable?

“The early ones. My first platinum disc from Black Sabbath means something to me. The early parts of any band are always the best. In the early days of Black Sabbath, we had a lot of fun, we weren't serious about it. Then we stopped having fun. It was the same with this band. We were having fun, and then there was the tragedy. It all went awry and Randy got killed. But the one thing I'm blessed with is that I'm not lying next to Randy dead. I could have been.”

What do you think Randy would be doing today if he were still around?

“Do you know what? It doesn't matter. Just the fact that he would be alive would be enough for me. But I can tell you one thing: he wasn't a guy who wanted to play rock 'n' roll only. On that last bus trip, just before he died, he sat up with me and told me wanted to go to university in California and get a degree in classical guitar. I said, 'Are you serious? Stick around. You can go to university later.' And then he died. But he was a true musician. He was writing classical pieces. He was into the art of music, not just the rock 'n' roll. He was a brilliant player. I don't know what he'd be doing now. But I still wish he was here.”

What do you remember about making those two albums?

“It was just a lot of fun. We had nothing to lose. We were just a bunch of guys having a laugh, doing a lot of drinking and a lot of crazy s---, like guys do.”

Is it still fun, or do you miss those carefree days?

“It's still a lot of fun, but I'm the old man in the band now. I'm 62. But I can still keep up with these young punks. And I have to say this: If you're not having fun in the band you're in, change it. Move on. I have fun offstage with my band as well as onstage. Because when you're touring, the easy part of the day is the gig. It's what you do the rest of the day that's hard.”

When was the last time you listened to Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman?

“About a month ago. When I was on the road. What really amazed me is the footage they found of Randy for the DVD. It amazes me what comes out of the woodwork from time to time. All kinds of stuff comes out, you know.”

What would you go back and change about the albums if you could?

“Nothing! I wouldn't change anything. Why would I want to change them? They were perfectly good the way they were.”

But you did replace the original bass and drum tracks in 2002 during a royalty dispute with the musicians. These versions restore the original performances. Do you regret changing them?

“My wife's my manager. I don't handle any of the business. I wasn't a fan of replacing the original things, but that was purely a business decision to get people off our backs. I didn't want to do it, but they forced my hand, you know. But really, that's a question you should ask my wife. I'm just happy we could go back and use the original parts.”

Are you gratified by the albums' longevity?

“Well, I didn't get up this morning and go, '30 years and one day.' I don't think about it, you know. I'm too busy having fun. I can't believe I made it to 62. By the law of averages, I should have died 1,000 times. Now I don't drink anymore. I don't do drugs anymore. I don't smoke anymore.”

You've been clean for three years. Do you think you've finally got it licked or do you still miss it?

“You never lick it. I know that if I have one cigarette, I'll be smoking a carton by the end of the day. And when I have prescription medications from time to time, I can't have it in my possession. I have to give it to my assistant who doles it out. You never beat it. It's a constant struggle. Because when the s--- hits the fan, the first thing I think is, 'F--- this, I'm going to get out of it.'”

It seems every time one member of Black Sabbath mentions a reunion, another one shoots it down. Do you think it will ever happen?

“I haven't got a clue. If they want to call me, they can call me. I never say never. If it works, fine. If it don't, I'll move on. It ain't the end of the world. I ain't gonna get a box of Kleenex and cry my eyes out for the rest of my life.”

Why is it so hard for you four to agree?

“Well, we're not kids anymore. I don't wanna bulls--- them and I don't want them to bulls--- me. Why should I go back to that and be unhappy when I'm happy right now? I mean, I would love to do a great album with Black Sabbath. I would love to get the credit we so roundly deserve. At the same time, the pressure would be really intense. I could go tomorrow and make an album with them, but it wouldn't necessarily be something I would be proud of.”

Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Buter remembers Dio on one year annivesary of his death

A year ago today Rock and Roll lost a giant voice when Ronnie James Dio lost his battle with stomach cancer. There was an outpouring of tributes from the metal community but we mark the anniversary of his passing by republishing this moving tribute from his Black Sabbath/Heaven and Hell band mate Terry "Geezer" Butler:
It's impossible to express in mere words the relationship Ronnie and I, Wendy and my wife Gloria had. He was much more than a friend, fellow musician, band mate. If I have a soul, then he is part of it.

I truly believe God, fate, destiny, whatever it's called, brought us together again in 2006, after not seeing each other for 14 years, to do one final tour, which turned into 3 major tours and an album. We were having a blast together, enjoying each other's company more than we had ever done before, talking about maybe doing one more album, when fate intervened again.

We were planning on doing a 2 or 3 part North American tour, after having toured South America and Europe in Spring /Summer 2009, but on the first leg of the North American tour, Tony's hand ligaments were in a bad way, Vinny's shoulder became dislocated, and Ronnie was having terrible stomach pains. We decided to cut the tour, get healthy, and carry on the following year. Tony and Vinny had successful procedures to fix their ailments, but Ronnie's stomach pains were worsening. I saw him at the Dio Halloween party, but he wasn't drinking, unusual for Ronnie who liked his tipple. He was telling me he had made an appointment with a specialist, to see what it was…..

Wednesday, 12th May 2010.

Wendy invited Gloria and I to lunch in Santa Barbara. A few close friends of Ronnie and Wendy, Omar, Simon, Paul, Tim, and Diana, had dropped by. Ronnie had no appetite whatsoever- the disease and the chemotherapy were taking an immense toll. As usual, we talked sports and had a laugh together- it would be the last time. That night, I had a beautiful email from him, that I will treasure forever. I sent him an email saying I'd see him during the following week.

Friday, 14th May 2010.

Wendy called to say she had taken Ronnie to hospital. The pain had become unbearable. We got to the hospital around 2 p.m. The doctor eventually sedated him. More and more friends were coming to visit- we took it in turns to hold Ronnie's hand, and whisper our thoughts to him. Wendy wouldn't leave his side- she stayed curled up on his bed the whole night. Gloria's assistant, Debi, kept her company. I emailed Tony to prepare him for bad news.

Saturday, 15th May 2010.

There was no mistaking Ronnie's room. There were around 25 to 30 friends outside his room. We knew the end was imminent. We all wanted to say our goodbyes. It was a day filled with tears and reflection. In the evening, the chaplain came, and we all gathered around Ronnie's bed and prayed. Ronnie wasn't going easily. At 11 p.m., most of us left, leaving Wendy her privacy to say her last farewell. The devastation was palpable.

Sunday, 16th May 2010.

7.46 a.m. As we were preparing to leave for the hospital, Gloria called Wendy to see if she wanted a coffee or any breakfast- she broke the sad news. Ronnie had just passed away.

Wendy Dio has been a true saint through all this. She has been with Ronnie every step of the way. Her courage has amazed us all. Even as I write, she is ensuring Ronnie has the finest send off possible. God bless you, Wendel.

Most people who were there for those last days chose to keep their thoughts private. I wanted to keep my thoughts private, too, but I've been overwhelmed by emails, and requests from the media and fans for comments.

I can truly say I've never known anyone to have such loyal, loving friends, fans, and family as Ronnie. He really was a special person, blessed with a unique voice and presence. He loved his fans- he would stay meeting and talking to them until the early hours of the morning. One of my fondest memories of him comes from last year, at the Sonisphere Festival,Knebworth. He noticed my sister and her husband at the side of the stage. During our opening song, he took the time to go over and hug them. Just a little thing like that made him special to me. Of course his music will live on forever, as will his influence. I have never seen so many tributes from so many musicians and fans, so many good wishes, no cynicism, just pure love and appreciation for a great man.

God bless you Ronald – thank you so much for the wonderful memories.

Love ya,
Geez

Source: Antimusic.com

Ozzy Osbourne states "I'm Willing" about Black Sabbath reunion

Ozzy Osbourne was interviewed by RollingStone.com. Here is an excerpt from the interview:

The original members of Black Sabbath – guitarist Tommy Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward – all appear in the doc, and they seem to be on good terms with their old leader. Could that mean that a long-rumored reunion is now a real possibility?

Watch Ozzy Osbourne Discuss the Possibility of a Black Sabbath Reunion

"I'm willing," Osbourne said. "But there are three other guys as well." And one of them – Butler – publicly ruled out a reunion in February. "It goes backwards and forwards. One day this, one day that. I'm up for it. But we'll see. If it's meant to happen, it'll happen."

Osbourne did admit that the prospect of the reunion is a little daunting. "The pressure of doing a new Black Sabbath album is enormous, and for it to be as good as what we did back then," he said. "It's been 30 years since we actually sat down and tried to write together, and we've all changed so much. I know I have."

"GOD BLESS OZZY OSBOURNE" FILM PREMIERES

This past Sunday in front of a rowdy New York City crowd, the rock documentary "GOD BLESS OZZY OSBOURNE" debuted at the prestigious Tenth Annual Tribeca Film Festival. Vulgar Display of Blog was there! Being at the debut first hand was a great experience as the lively crowd of Ozzy fans, media and music industry types got to watch the film along with the directors and the Osbourne family themselves. Everyone in attendance was given a free GBOO shirt, laminate and poster card. Produced by son Jack Osbourne's Schweet Productions and co-directed by Mike Fleiss and Mike Piscatelli what you see in an hour and a half is the Ozzy story that has never really been told.

Some of the stories in the movie die-hard fans already know. However, if you are expecting a Behind the Music-type expose you are in for a rude awakening. Although music is a central part of Ozzy's life (and almost an invisible extra character in the film) it plays second fiddle to the brutally honest account of Ozzy's nearly forty year struggle with addiction and ultimate recovery the last five years. His early childhood, musical history and significance is examined in the film, but the focus is on his many issues throughout his adult life. His entire immediate family was interviewed including for the first time his children from his first marriage Jessica and Louis, to notoriously press shy Aimee, as well as Sharon, Kelly and Jack. Many of Ozzy's peers such as Bill Ward, Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Tommy Lee, Robert Trujillo, Rudy Sarzo, Billy Morrison and Henry Rollins participate to not only honor Ozzy, but corroborate his tale. Ozzy hero Sir Paul McCartney is on hand to give respect to Black Sabbath and admit to being an Ozzy fan! Most of all it is the “Prince of Darkness” himself who gives the most blunt interviews throughout the film by detailing his many years battling himself, drugs and alcohol and hurting all of his loved ones emotionally and in some cases physically in the process. The directors to their credit did not make the mistake that other docs make as the film does not gloss over the many indiscretions. Those films often give way to blind hero worship, but it is not the case here.

Photo used with permission of Tribeca Film Festival

In the end, Ozzy has managed to become and stay sober for the last five years which is truly remarkable. His family life is on firmer ground than ever and he just wrapped up a full year and a half of touring. Many people who listen to rock and metal or play in bands think hard partying is part of the lifestyle we live, but serious addiction can befall anyone as seen by the many casualties. For his part Ozzy is humble (said to be a terminal perfectionist) and grateful to still be alive and kicking ass since many of his friends and peers have passed on. After the film was shown Ozzy, Jack and the two directors held a brief Q&A session with the fans where Ozzy again recounted his happiness today, his regrets over the past and his desire to be better going forward.

There is one more showing this week of God Bless Ozzy Osbourne at the AMC Lowes Villiage 7 in New York City on April 30th at 1 PM. You can find the tickets at the official site of the Tribeca Film Festival here.  

Black Sabbath reunion not likely

During press interviews for his upcoming documentary God Bless Ozzy Osbourne, the former Black Sabbath frontman provided an update on the band possibly reuniting:

“I’m up for it, I keep fit every day. I can’t speak for the others. I mean, I’ve spoken to Tony Iommi (guitars), I speak to Bill (Ward; drums) from time to time, I haven’t spoken to Geezer for a while, but if it’s meant to happen, it’ll happen. If it does in one figuration, I suppose we manage to go out. I don’t want to say too much, really, because I don’t really know.”

Tony Martin says he is not interested in reuniting with Black Sabbath.

In an interview with Swedish web magazine Criticalmass.de one time Black Sabbath singer Tony Martin says he has no plans to reunite with the group. This news comes on the heels of Geezer Butler announcing recently that Black Sabbath will never have an original lineup reunion again. When asked about his issues with Sabbath, Martin said:

“Not the band. But I don't have any problems with the people, though. For example, I would work with Tony Iommi, maybe. It's just that I wouldn't like to do the same thing that I did before. Just singing Ozzy songs, Dio songs and all the rest of it and my music being pushed aside. That was my issue.”

Martin who is remembered for middle-era 80's and 90's era Sabbath albums like Eternal Idol, Cross Purposes and Tyr also talked about the difficulties of today’s' music industry and the possibility of retirement.

With the passing of Ronnie James Dio last year, Ozzy's continuing solo career and Ian Gillian's schedule with Deep Purple it is possible we will not see or hear any Black Sabbath music again unless they recruit a new singer altogether.  

Black Sabbath Bassist Confirms There Will Be No Reunion With All Four Original Members

A few minutes ago, Geezer Butler posted this to his own website:

I would like to make it clear, because of mounting speculation and rumours, that there will be definitely NO reunion of all four original members of Black Sabbath, whether to record an album or to tour. Geezer Butler

Pretty definitive statement on the future, eh? :(

Danzig Covers Black Sabbath And Elvis Presley For Upcoming Covers Album

According to Blabbermouth.net Glenn Danzig is recording a covers album. He is reportedly 5 songs deep into the album. Black Sabbath and Elvis Presley are two of the artist he has covered for this album. No further details are available at this time. Danzig will be announcing a US tour that will lead into the bands performance at Rock on the Range 2011.

Heaven & Hell drummer speaks on the bands future, Dio, Black Sabbath, and Ozzy

Bravewords.com recently conducted an interview with legendary Heaven & Hell drummer Vinni Appice. Here are a few excerpts from the interview:

Bravewords.com: Is Heaven & Hell done or might you continue with guest singers?

Appice: “If it’s going to happen we would re-name the band. The Heaven & Hell named signified a lot for Ronnie. It’s Ronnie’s era of Sabbath not Ozzy’s and that’s why we didn’t call it Black Sabbath, so people wouldn’t get confused about it. It would be funny to keep the name Heaven And Hell and for Ronnie not to be there.”

Bravewords.com: Plus, there probably would be a backlash from the fans.

Appice: “Yeah, that too.”

Bravewords.com: When do you think the band might continue?

Appice: “I’m not sure what they have it mind. It was mentioned, but no action has been taken yet. I would imagine that IF something happens – it would be this year. Tony loves playing. He’s a musician and he loves to play. He was happy playing and being on stage (with H&H). Geezer is the same way. We toured so much that we built ourselves up both musically and physically.”

Ozzy Osbourne to reunite with Black Sabbath in 2011?

Ozzy has revealed to ABC Radio that he is in talks to reunite with Black Sabbath. Nothing is definite yet but this will be good for all fans of metal. More on the article can be found from our friends at Blabbermouth.net.