When we think of Ozzy Osbourne, we often picture his wild rock star image and his role in creating heavy metal with Black Sabbath. Nicknamed the ‘Prince of Darkness’, his life is filled with stories that blend fact and fiction, making him a legend in music history.
Ozzy’s Guitar Heroes
Now, let’s talk about something that doesn’t get as much attention – the incredible guitarists that Ozzy has worked with. Throughout his career, both with Black Sabbath and his own solo projects, he’s played with some amazing musicians. From Steve Vai to Zakk Wylde and the late Randy Rhoads, Ozzy’s solo career has been powered by the talent of these great guitar players.
Randy Rhoads’s time with Ozzy, though short, made a huge impact. Rhoads, who we lost too soon in a plane crash at just 25, played a big role in restarting Ozzy’s solo career. With his unique style, Rhoads helped create the albums “Blizzard of Ozz” and “Diary of a Madman,” which brought Ozzy back into the limelight. Ozzy once confidently said that Rhoads was his favorite guitarist during his solo career because he made him enjoy his work again.
Rhoads was not just talented but also a source of encouragement. He contributed to Ozzy’s confidence in his own music and was instrumental in his comeback. Despite Rhoads’s creative skills and impact, there is another guitarist that Ozzy holds in the highest regard.
That guitarist is none other than Tony Iommi, the man behind the heavy and iconic sounds of Black Sabbath. Even though Ozzy parted ways with Sabbath under tough circumstances, he always knew that Tony Iommi was essential.
Tony Iommi’s Unmatched Influence
The original Black Sabbath lineup, which came together in Birmingham in 1968, had a unique chemistry. They brought together the necessary talent to create something historic. Tony Iommi was central to their sound. His deep, powerful guitar playing was unlike anything else at the time and laid the groundwork for metal music.
During a 2024 interview on his “The Madhouse Chronicles” podcast, Ozzy explained why he believes Iommi is the best guitarist he’s ever played with. This realization hit him when he played Sabbath’s classic tracks with other guitar players. Ozzy said, “That’s the thing about a band like Black Sabbath: we came from the streets and we knew our stuff. Tony Iommi was, and is, the best **guitar player I’ve ever played with.”
When playing unforgettable Sabbath songs like ‘Paranoid’, ‘Children Of The Grave’, and ‘War Pigs’ with other musicians, it didn’t feel the same to Ozzy. He believed that while others knew the notes, they couldn’t match Iommi’s unique style. He concluded by saying, “They do the notes, but it’s not the same! (Although American players) play too fast, Tony Iommi, for whatever role, is **great.”