"Before delving into punk, Duff Mckagan found support from Black Sabbath; he discusses recording with Ozzy, collaborating with Tony Iommi, and reasons why he considers Black Sabbath as genuine trailblazers of the punk genre."
In the world of heavy metal, few names resonate as deeply as Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne. For Duff McKagan, the bassist renowned for his work with Guns N' Roses, these bands were formative influences that shaped his musical journey.
Growing up in Seattle, McKagan was captivated by Black Sabbath's accessible yet heavy sound. He fondly recalls hearing "Iron Man" as a young punk fan, an experience that left a lasting impact. This early connection with Sabbath preceded his love for punk rock, making them a major musical inspiration in his formative years.
In a testament to this influence, McKagan's teenage punk band, The Fartz, covered Black Sabbath's "Children Of The Grave" in 1981. Despite playing the song at a faster, hardcore pace, it was clear that Sabbath's music had seeped into his soul.
Fast forward to his career, McKagan had the opportunity to collaborate directly with Ozzy Osbourne. He played on Ozzy's last two albums, a significant milestone that underscores not just influence but also concrete participation in Ozzy's solo musical projects.
The recording of the album "Ordinary Man" was a swift four-day process, with McKagan joining forces with Andrew Watt and Chad Smith. This collaboration resulted in a new chapter in the Ozzy Osbourne discography, with McKagan contributing to songs on the next record as well.
Punk rock, according to McKagan, was about doing what you wanted to do with truth and integrity. He believes this ethos was also embodied by Black Sabbath, making them a perfect blend of rebellion and musical prowess.
McKagan's relationship with Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath is one of profound influence and later professional collaboration. While details about ordering an official 'Back To The Beginning' programme are not available, the impact of these bands on McKagan's career is undeniable.
In the realm of heavy metal, Black Sabbath's music, particularly the low D-riff in "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath," is said to be crucial in the development of the Seattle sound and desert rock. As progenitors of the genre, Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne continue to cast a long shadow, inspiring generations of musicians.
[1] Source: McKagan's autobiography, "It's So Easy and Other Lies" [2] Source: Loudwire interview with Duff McKagan [3] Source: Classic Rock Magazine interview with Duff McKagan [4] Source: Rolling Stone interview with Duff McKagan
- Duff McKagan, the acclaimed bassist of Guns N' Roses, found his musical roots in the heavy sound of Black Sabbath, a band he admired as a young punk fan.
- In tribute to his influences, McKagan's teenage punk band, The Fartz, covered Black Sabbath's "Children Of The Grave" in 1981, showcasing the band's impact on his early music.
- Later in his career, McKagan had the opportunity to collaborate with Ozzy Osbourne, playing on his last two albums and contributing to the next record.
- The 'Ordinary Man' album, a swift four-day recording, is a testament to McKagan's significant role in the Ozzy Osbourne discography.
- For McKagan, both Black Sabbath and punk rock share the ethos of authenticity and rebellion, making them influential figures in his musical journey.
- In the Seattle scene, Black Sabbath's music is credited for the development of the Seattle sound and desert rock, contributing to the genre's evolution.
- In interviews with Loudwire, Classic Rock Magazine, and Rolling Stone, McKagan shares insight into the profound impact Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne have had on his career.
- As progenitors of heavy metal, Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne continue to inspire generations of musicians, their influence casts a long shadow over the music industry.
