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.”

Ozzy Osbourne on Ozzfest 2011: "No, not this year"

Ozzy has now confirmed for us that there will be no Ozzfest 2011 via his official facebook: “No, not this year. I just finished a lengthy arena tour of the U.S., so I’ve decided to tour Europe this summer instead.”

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.”

Ozzy Osbourne Blizzard Of Ozz and Diary Of A Madman albums to be reissued with previously unreleased material

On May 31st newly reissued versions of the 30th-anniversary edition of "Blizzard of Ozz" CD includes the original album in its entirety, restored and remastered for this edition, with bonus tracks, while the new legacy edition of "Diary of a Madman" includes the original album in its entirety, restored and remastered for this edition, with a bonus second CD of previously unreleased live performances featuring Ozzy Osbourne and Randy Rhoads with rhythm section Rudy Sarzo (bass) and Tommy Aldridge (drums). A single-disc version of the remastered "Diary of a Madman" will also be available.

For serious fans and collectors, the limited edition 30th-anniversary deluxe boxed set houses the restored and remastered vinyl and CD editions of "Blizzard of Ozz" and "Diary of a Madman", the "Ozzy Live" compact disc. Beyond the music, the box set is highlighted by a variety of exclusives including an expansive 100-page coffee table book, a two-sided wall-size poster, a precise and detailed full-size replica of Ozzy's iconic gold cross that he has worn for 30 years, and "Thirty Years After The Blizzard" DVD.

This new "Thirty Years After The Blizzard" DVD chronicles Ozzy's years with Randy Rhoads features previously unseen footage of Ozzy and Randy filmed in 1981 and 1982; it incorporates rare archival photos and films; along with new and revelatory interviews with Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, Lemmy (MOTÖRHEAD), Steve Vai, Nikki Sixx, Rob Halford, Zakk Wylde, Bill Ward and more. The DVD also contains over 70 minutes of additional rare live performances and interviews; included is the premiere of more than 30 minutes of newly-discovered never-bootlegged footage of Ozzy and Randy from the "Blizzard of Ozz" tour shot from the front of the stage at New York's fabled Palladium on May 2, 1981. This new feature is a must-see for aficionados of Ozzy's epic release "Blizzard of Ozz" and its pivotal effect on rock and roll history.

"Blizzard Of Ozz" (30th Anniversary Expanded Edition)

01. I Don't Know (5:13)
02. Crazy Train (4:51)
03. Goodbye To Romance (5:33)
04. Dee (0:49)
05. Suicide Solution (4:17)
06. Mr. Crowley (5:02)
07. No Bone Movies (3:52)
08. Revelation (Mother Earth) (6:08)
09. Steal Away (The Night) (3:28)

Bonus tracks

10. You Looking At Me, Looking At You (Non-LP B-Side, Previously Unreleased in the U.S.) (4:15)
11. Goodbye To Romance (2010 Guitar & Vocal Mix, Previously Unreleased) (5:42)
12. RR (Previously Unreleased – Randy Rhoads guitar solo) (1:13)

"Diary Of A Madman" (Legacy Edition)

Disc 1:

01. Over The Mountain (4:31)
02. Flying High Again (4:44)
03. You Can't Kill Rock And Roll (6:59)
04. Believer (5:15)
05. Little Dolls (5:39)
06. Tonight (5:50)
07. S.A.T.O. (4:07)
08. Diary Of A Madman (6:14)

Disc 2:

Ozzy Live (recorded on the "Blizzard of Ozz" tour)

01. I Don't Know
02. Crazy Train
03. Believer
04. Mr. Crowley
05. Flying High Again
06. Revelation (Mother Earth)
07. Steal Away (The Night)
08. Suicide Solution
09. Iron Man
10. Children Of The Grave
11. Paranoid

"Diary of a Madman"/"Blizzard of Ozz" 30th Anniversary Deluxe Box Set

Box Set Includes:

* "Blizzard Of Ozz" (30th Anniversary Expanded Edition)
* "Diary Of A Madman" (Legacy Edition)
* "Blizzard Of Ozz" (180-gram LP — original album only)
* "Diary Of A Madman" (180-gram LP — original album only)

DVD — contains "Thirty Years After The Blizzard" documentary — and additional rare and unreleased performances and interviews.

Zakk Wylde talks about throwing a television out of a window with Ozzy Osbourne

Guitar International recently conducted an interview with Black Label Society/ex Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde. Here is an excerpt from that interview:

Guitar International: What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen Ozzy do?

Wylde: "Not too long ago, me and Ozzy were in Prague when we were doing a show. We played in front of about 60,000 people. We were headlining this festival. [After the show] me and Ozzy were just talking about some goofy shit. We were talking about John Bonham stories, because Ozzy was good buddies with him and everything like that.

We were just laughing, like, you know, ZEPPELIN back in the day at the Riot House, throwing TVs out of fuckin’ windows, running motorcycles through the hallways right through the walls and shit like that. And we were just laughing about it. You know, obviously you’re going to pay for the damages, so, the only person you’re hurting is your wallet.

So, me and Oz are like, 'oh yeah,' and he goes, 'You know, I’ve done some crazy shit, but I’ve never thrown a TV out of a fuckin’ window.' We’re in Prague at the time and I go, 'Well, you know, Sharon and Barbaranne are going to have our fuckin’ balls tomorrow if we fuckin’ do this.' He goes, 'Oh, fuck that. I’m paying for everything anyway. Let’s fuckin’ heave the fuckin’ TV out the fuckin’ window.' So, we’re so fuckin’ loaded, we’re about on the sixth floor, I go, 'For the love of God, look out that fuckin’ window because the last thing we need to do is to fuckin’ kill some motherfucker when we launch this thing out the fuckin’ window.'

It’s about 3:30 in the morning right after we got done doing a show. So it’s like we end up heaving this fuckin’ TV out the fuckin’ window. When this thing hit the fuckin’ ground, the explosion that this thing made … all’s I remember is that me and Ozzy are on the floor fuckin’ crying laughing, and Oz goes, 'Zakk, I’ve heard a lot of things in my life, but I’ll never forget the fuckin’ sound of that.'

All I remember is the next day, Oz got charged $34,000 because they couldn’t use the suite for 34 days because the window was broke, which was bullshit. They could have fixed that thing in about an hour. But the whole thing is, he got clipped for $1,000 a day, and I got clipped $10,000 for that fuckin’ TV. This TV must’ve fuckin’ cost them about $500. Yeah, I paid $10,000. I go, 'This TV had better give a fuckin’ blowjob and a handjob and eat my ass.' I said, '$10,000 for a fuckin’ TV? This thing’s a fuckin’ piece of shit. You’ve got to be fuckin’ kidding me.'

Put it this way, $10,000 for a TV, about $1000 in beer, $34,000 for the room, and the look on Ozzy’s face? Priceless. You can’t make this shit up.

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.  

Sepultura to open up for Ozzy in Brazil.

Ozzy Osbourne has tapped Sepultura to open his two upcoming Brazilian shows in early April. The longtime thrash outfit just celebrated the 20^th anniversary of the classic album Arise (Roadrunner) with a string of shows where they played that album in its entirety.

Following the Ozzy shows Sepultura will embark on a tour of the USA to promote their upcoming album on Nuclear Blast Records due to be released in May. Opening bands for the tour will be Belphegor (first leg), Nevermore (second leg), Keep of Kalessen, Hate, Neuraxis and Bonded by Blood.

Ozzy Osbourne drummer hints at direction of next record on Talking Metal podcast.

In the midst of a wildly successful tour behind last years Scream album Ozzy Osbourne drummer Tommy Clufetos (Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie) sat down with the Talking Metal podcast. Along with TM co-host Mark Strigl, Tommy talked about a variety topics including the revelation that Tommy did not play on the Scream record at all (contrary to popular belief) and the direction of the next Ozzy album. Regarding the album:

“The record was already done before I joined the band. I believe Kevin Churko, his producer, handled all of the drum duties and did a terrific job I think.”

When asked if Ozzy would ever consider making a throwback, early 80's type record Tommy said:

“I think most definitely. I wouldn't say early early `80s, but I think he is going to return to a classic rock band record. What he has expressed is that he wants to make it, the band playing live in a room so wherever that takes us. Less technology and more amps and drums.”

Regarding how soon we can expect the next Ozzy album:

“We are already working on new song ideas backstage, in hotel rooms and at soundchecks. We have a bunch of ideas recorded whether they be small or full songs, whatever. Time will tell what happens with it.”

While many are familiar with the “Talking Metal On FUSE “ TV show, the Talking Metal podcast is a great source for interviews, reviews and commentary on all things rock and metal. Check out their podcast here.

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? :(

2011 Grammy Awards Feature Ozzy Osbourne, Them Crooked Vultures, Alice In Chains, Slayer, Megadeth, Korn, Lamb Of God, Iron Maiden

The 2011 Grammy Awards are this Sunday February 13th at 8:00 p.m on CBS. Here are the only categories we care about:

Best Hard Rock Performance
"A Looking In View" -- Alice In Chains
"Let Me Hear You Scream" -- Ozzy Osbourne
"Black Rain" -- Soundgarden
"Between The Lines" -- Stone Temple Pilots
"New Fang" -- Them Crooked Vultures

Best Metal Performance
"El Dorado" -- Iron Maiden
"Let The Guilt Go" -- Korn
"In Your Words" -- Lamb Of God
"Sudden Death" -- Megadeth
"World Painted Blood" -- Slayer

I expect Them Crooked Vultures and Iron Maiden to win this year.

Ozzy Osbourne Starts Work Towards Next Solo Album

In a recent interview with Bravewords.com, Ozzy Osbourne drummer Tommy Clufetos revealed that work is starting to take place for the next Ozzy Osbourne solo release. Here is an excerpt from that interview:

Bravewords.com: While you are on the road. Are you working on new music? Will there be another new Ozzy album soon?
 
TC: “Yes, we are working on new tunes and tomorrow we’re going to do a soundcheck early to record some of these ideas. We’re always putting down new stuff. We’re in the process all the time.”
Bravewords.com: What’s next?
 
TC: “We go to Europe then South America and the we’re doing some recording in the studio. I don’t know all the details. I just look at the next day in my itinerary and that’s as far as I go.”
 
Bravewords.com: Will you be recording any shows for a live DVD or CD?
 
TC: “I have no idea. We just did this mini-EP from the iTunes Festival and we did some MTV footage filmed from the London Ozzfest, but I have no idea what their plans are. I’m just a drummer - I have no idea. I just go onstage to destroy people. I go onstage to destroy other bands. It is a competition. It is war. It’s not let’s go get along with everybody. It’s let’s go out and fuck some shit up.”

Fans are currently wondering if there will be an Ozzfest 2011. We are keeping a close eye for information regardling a possible Ozzfest 2011. Check back for more information.

Ozzy Osbourne Drummer Speaks On Joining Ozzy's Band And Relationship With Rob Zombie

Away-Team.com recently interviewed Ozzy Osbourne drummer Tommy Clufetos. Here are a few excerpts from the interview:

Q: So how did you get the gig with Ozzy? Did you have to audition? Or did they call you and say “Hey, what are you doing? We want you to play with us”? How did that work out?

Clufetos: "I was kinda in the right place at the right time. I was brought in to help out during Gus G.’s audition, he came in from Greece, and their drummer at the time couldn’t make it, so I was asked to do it just so Gus could be comfortable and focus on playing guitar… and the music would be solid. So that’s what I came in to do, and then they asked me to play at a thing called Blizzcon in California, which again Mike Bordin, who’s an amazing drummer, could not make due to commitments with FAITH NO MORE. They asked me to do that, and out of those couple experiences they asked me to join the band. So I was very lucky, and excited, and so ecstatic to say ‘Yes’."

Q: Now, you left ROB ZOMBIE’s band to take the gig with Ozzy, I understand Rob was a little bitter when you left him. Have you spoken to him since, and managed to salvage your friendship?

Clufetos: "I have not spoken to him. But I have nothing but great things to say about Rob and my time spent there, and ya know I base our relationship on what I saw when I was there and I have nothing but great things to say about that. I wouldn’t say anything negative, just because of a couple statements in the press. So, no hard feelings on my end. I wish him, his wife Sheri, and all the guys nothing but the best. I still think the world of all of them. So, that’s how I feel.

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.

Pantera frontman Philip Anselmo speaks out on Down touring in 2011, Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, and Rush Limbaugh

Philip Anselmo, Pantera/Down vocalist and gutiarists for Arson Anthem, was recently interviewed by CraveOnline.com and shared his opinion on a multitude of subjects. Here is a transcription of the interview highlights:

There's a hot-button issue that's been messing with my head that I'd like to get your thoughts on. In the wake of this Arizona shooting of Gabrielle Giffords and the killing of all those people, Rush Limbaugh went out and said that the shooter's insane, and it's clear because he listens to heavy metal, among other things. 

If Rush Limbaugh said something about the idea that someone murdered someone or is crazy because they listen to heavy metal, that's a kneejerk reaction. And from me especially, because motherfucker I create heavy metal and I don't have a murderous fuckin' bone in my body. Nothing that's gonna fuckin' take me somewhere and take the coward's way out. He's out of his mind. I think that's about the most shallow view you could possibly take. I think you really need to take a look at what ignited some stupid motherfucker to do something like this. 

Obviously it's a lot more than heavy metal. I don't know what the guy was listening to, but it wouldn't matter if he was listening to tapes of Osama Bin Laden preaching the goddamn jihad. Look at the guy first, don't look at the music. He's out of his fuckin' mind. Fuck Rush Limbaugh. 

Looking through the history of damnation of heavy metal music or rock music in general, it falls in line with Marilyn Manson being blamed for Columbine and so many more incidents that preceded it...

Even before that it was kids committing suicide and it getting blamed on Judas Priest, and Ozzy Osbourne's been through this whole thing too. As a matter of fact, there's been some isolated Pantera fuckin' events where kids have done certain things and they were caught and they were wearing Pantera shirts. People were alarmed and what-not, but I mentioned Ozzy and Rob Halford from Judas Priest actually went to court and spoke in an extremely sane way - he took the stand on behalf of all of us, before any of us had been blamed. At least ten years before all that blame really took off. But Rob Halford almost singlehandedly enlightened the court system to the fact that you cannot tie insanity, murder or anything into music people listen to. So Rob Halford definitely deserves a pat on the back for that one. 

It's being fabricated once again, but with people like that the entirety of the conversation is made to set fires. 

I'd love to sit across from Rush Limbaugh and have him try to prove me crazy. I'm absolutely fucking craaaaazy, but I'm not stupid. You can love any kind of music and still use judgement, you stupid motherfucker. 

Speaking of this year, fans have been eager for news on Down IV, but I hear there's not been a lot of time for that....

Yeah. Man, there will be a time for Down. Matter of fact we had a meeting this past week, and I know Jimmy's gotta go do an Eyehategod tour in February. But after that, I think we're looking to do some shows starting in March. Maybe local around here, maybe even some Mardi Gras gigs. But yeah, last week we sat around and they played me some new stuff they're working on, and it sounds good. Sounds like it's got a lot of promise, and really they just need me in the fuckin' practice room. So all this is going to happen this year. It has to happen. I know there's a responsibility here. Down has a fanbase and they are very very very loyal. So I don't want to let those people down. They deserve some new music, we have it. We've demoed other songs, there's songs that haven't even been released that people have never heard, so there's always Down there. For all you people out there, don't you stress. We got the Down coming.