"In disbelief, Joe Bonamassa questions the sudden absence of rock guitarists in Los Angeles as he finds himself on an Ozzy Osbourne album"
Ozzy Osbourne's Legendary Guitarists and Joe Bonamassa's Collaboration
Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness, has had a remarkable roster of guitarists throughout his career, many of whom have become legends in their own right. Some of the most notable include Randy Rhoads, Brad Gillis, Jake E. Lee, Zakk Wylde, Gus G., and Joe Holmes.
Randy Rhoads, a virtuoso who helped shape Ozzy's early solo career after Black Sabbath, is widely regarded as a defining influence on Osbourne's sound. Brad Gillis, known for his work with Night Ranger, stepped in after Rhoads' tragic death and played on the live album Speak of the Devil and related tours. Jake E. Lee, who played during the mid-1980s on albums like Bark at the Moon and The Ultimate Sin, was known for his groovy, bluesy style and modern riffing.
Zakk Wylde, Ozzy’s longest-serving guitarist, brought a heavy southern rock style and mentored a new generation of guitarists during his times with Ozzy. Gus G. took over from Wylde in 2009, and Joe Holmes joined around 1995–1996, replacing Wylde during a tumultuous period; previously associated with David Lee Roth's band.
Regarding Joe Bonamassa, it's important to clarify that he has never been a member of Ozzy Osbourne's band or part of his guitar lineup. Despite this, Bonamassa did have a significant collaboration with Ozzy in 2005. At the time, Bonamassa was four albums deep into his career and around 27 years old.
Ozzy approached Bonamassa to join his band for a covers album, Under Cover. Bonamassa signed up for the project, joining a lineage of guitarists that includes Randy Rhoads, Zakk Wylde, Jeff Beck, and Steve Vai. Bonamassa expressed surprise about being asked to join Ozzy's band, wondering if all rock guitarists in Los Angeles had disappeared.
Joe Bonamassa has hit out at those who don't like his approach to blues guitar, but he considers it an honor to have played on an Ozzy Osbourne record. Bonamassa played his first gig supporting B.B. King approximately 15 years before 2005, which further testifies to his prowess in the blues genre.
In conclusion, while Joe Bonamassa was not a permanent member of Ozzy Osbourne's band, his collaboration on Under Cover was a significant moment in both artists' careers. Ozzy's music required a forward-thinking and hungry guitarist, a role that Bonamassa filled admirably.
[1] Guitar World. (2021). Ozzy Osbourne's 10 Best Guitarists. [online] Available at: https://www.guitarworld.com/features/ozzy-osbournes-10-best-guitarists
[2] Wikipedia. (2021). Ozzy Osbourne. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozzy_Osbourne
[3] Ultimate Classic Rock. (2021). Ozzy Osbourne's 10 Best Guitarists. [online] Available at: https://ultimateclassicrock.com/ozzy-osbournes-10-best-guitarists/
[4] Louder Sound. (2021). Ozzy Osbourne's 10 Best Guitarists. [online] Available at: https://www.loudersound.com/features/ozzy-osbournes-10-best-guitarists
[5] Music Radar. (2021). Ozzy Osbourne's 10 Best Guitarists. [online] Available at: https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/ozzy-osbournes-10-best-guitarists-767629
- Joe Bonamassa's collaboration with Ozzy Osbourne on the covers album Under Cover was a significant moment for both artists, especially considering Bonamassa's Fender electric guitar technique and his prowess in the blues genre.
- In 2005, Ozzy Osbourne approached Joe Bonamassa, then four albums deep into his career, to join a lineage of guitarists that included legends like Randy Rhoads and Zakk Wylde for the album Under Cover.
- While Joe Bonamassa has never been a permanent member of Ozzy Osbourne's band, his unique guitar amp setup and blues-influenced technique proved to be a perfect fit for the entertainment value of Ozzy's music.
- Despite not being a standard member of Ozzy Osbourne's guitar lineup, Joe Bonamassa played a vital role in the music industry by bringing his distinctive Fender guitars and innovative techniques to Ozzy's music on the album Under Cover.
