In March 2003, Ozzy Osbourne unveiled his fresh bassist to the global audience, a role previously filled by Robert Trujillo - but it was Jason Newsted who impressed most.
In a surprising turn of events, Jason Newsted, the renowned bassist known for his time with Metallica, joined Ozzy Osbourne's band in 2003. This change, initiated by Ozzy's son, Jack, was seen as a new chapter in the musical legacy of the heavy metal icon.
Newsted's recruitment came after his departure from Metallica and a brief stint with Ozzy's band. Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy's wife, was the one who first considered the idea of bringing in Newsted. The bassist, taken aback by Ozzy's offer, prepared for the role by studying Ozzy's setlists and making a tape of songs to fit with the band.
Ozzy felt that Newsted brought new blood and progress to the band, reinvigorating its creative energy. He expressed enthusiasm about Newsted's bass playing, describing him as a "rock" and a great asset. This was in stark contrast to the previous bassist, Robert Trujillo, whom Newsted temporarily replaced.
The arrival of Newsted was marked by a press event at 3rd Encore Studios in North Hollywood. The new lineup performed a modest, intimate four-song set, showcasing Newsted's skill and fit with the band. The event was attended by a couple of dozen writers and photographers from MTV News, CNN, ABC News, and local music zines.
Ozzy was thrilled with the energetic set and thought Newsted had "this edge." He viewed having Newsted as an honor. The comparison made between Newsted and a baseball player using a different glove signifies an adjustment period. However, the analogy of trading Derek Jeter for Nomar Garciaparra is used to describe the change in the band, emphasizing that no one loses.
Newsted played with a Sadowsky Modern 5 and a rented SVT backline during the set. He expressed his excitement about joining the band, saying he was "flabbergasted" and "levitating." His playing style was described as more aggressive, contrasting with a laid-back approach by Mike Bordin, the drummer responsible for creating a Black Sabbath-style groove in the band.
Despite his brief tenure, Newsted's impact was significant. He brought a fresh, energetic edge to the band, a quality that was highly valued by Ozzy. Metallica announced its new bass player, Robert Trujillo, in February 2003, less than a month before Ozzy introduced his new bassist, Jason Newsted, at the press event.
In conclusion, Jason Newsted joined Ozzy Osbourne's band post-Metallica, contributing fresh energy and bass expertise that Ozzy highly valued, although his time was brief. His addition was seen as adding a new energy to the band, making a significant impact despite his short stay.
- Jason Newsted, a skilled bassist who once played with Metallica, decided to prepare for his new role in Ozzy Osbourne's band by studying Ozzy's setlists and making a tape of songs that would fit with the band's style.
- During a press event at 3rd Encore Studios in North Hollywood, Newsted showcased his musical skills on a Sadowsky Modern 5 and a rented SVT backline, demonstrating how his aggressive playing style contrasted with the laid-back approach of Mike Bordin, the drummer.
- Newsted's energetic and fresh edge made a significant impact on the band, attracting the attention of music journalists from MTV News, CNN, ABC News, and local music zines, who attended the press event.
- Despite his brief tenure with Ozzy Osbourne's band, Jason Newsted's contribution to the band was highly valued by Ozzy, making a noticeable difference in the energy of the music and entertainment they delivered.
