OZZY OSBOURNE ON REPLACING GUITARIST ZAKK WYLDE WITH GUS G

Ozzy discusses replacing former guitarist Zakk Wylde with new guitarist Gus G from Greece.

Ozzy Osbourne has decided to part ways with long time guitarist Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society and after performing and recording together since 1987, Ozzy decided the time was right to make the change. It was Zakk Wylde who has played guitar on every solo Ozzy album since 1987 and the last record “Black Rain” featured the hit single “I Don’t Want to Stop” which peaked at #1 on The Rock Singles Chart. So after taking over guitar duties in Ozzy’s band after Jake E. Lee in 1987 and giving way to Steve Vai in 1994, Zakk returned to Ozzy’s lineup a few more times throughtout the years after taking some time apart for Black Label Society. But Ozzy thought his band was beginning to sound like Black Label Society so the change was made.

Artisan News caught up with Ozzy Osbourne on the red carpet at The Kickoff party honoring Ozzy at the Sunset Strip Music Festival to get his thoughts on his relationship with Zakk Wylde and why it was time for a change.

“I haven’t fallen out with Zakk. He’s a very good…our relationship goes way beyond music. He’s got his own thing now. He’s got his own band and he’s got his own career. He don’t need me anymore!”

Ozzy has decided to go with axe-slinger Gus G from Greece who used to play with Firewind and he talked about the new additon.

“I’ve got a guy, Gus G a guy from Greece. Not the musical, the country Greece!”

Ozzy Osbourne was honored at 2nd Annual Sunset Strip Music Festival celebrating his four decades in the music industry. To close down the festival, Hollywood closed a portion of Sunset Blvd and Ozzy and his band, including Gus G performed for the thousands of fans in attendance. Ozzy is also finishing up his autobiography which will be released in 2010. Although Ozzfest took a Summer off in 2009, Ozzy still plans on getting back out on the road in 2010.