"Upon being invited to collaborate with Ozzy Osbourne, Joe Bonamassa found himself questioning the sudden scarcity of rock guitarists in Los Angeles: 'What's going on? Have all the rock guitarists in Los Angeles vanished simultaneously?'"
In 2005, Joe Bonamassa found himself in an unexpectedly prestigious and humbling situation. The blues-rock guitarist was invited to play a solo on Ozzy Osbourne's covers album, Under Cover, specifically on the Buffalo Springfield cover "For What It's Worth."
Bonamassa, who was four albums deep into his career at the age of 27, initially found it surprising that Ozzy's team reached out to him. With a history of working with elite and legendary guitarists like Randy Rhoads, Zakk Wylde, and Tony Iommi, it was a surprise he wondered if all rock guitar players in Los Angeles had disappeared. Nevertheless, he quickly embraced the opportunity, acknowledging it as an honor to be part of the lineage that includes greats like Randy Rhoads, Zakk Wylde, Jeff Beck, and Steve Vai.
Ozzy Osbourne's selection process for guitarists was notably discerning, akin to a "heavy metal version of what John Mayall was doing" in nurturing exceptional and forward-thinking talents. This highlights the high standards Ozzy set for his collaborators, selecting guitarists who could bring unique contributions to his music rather than just being technically skilled.
Comparatively, Bonamassa's collaboration stands distinct from many of Ozzy's other guitarists primarily because Bonamassa is renowned for his blues-rock style, which differed from the heavier metal approach of guitarists like Randy Rhoads and Zakk Wylde. Those guitarists are often considered iconic for shaping Ozzy's sound with virtuosic and aggressive playing, with Randy Rhoads especially noted as Ozzy’s all-time favorite for his classical expertise and musical genius that elevated Ozzy’s early solo career.
While Bonamassa's involvement was more of a guest appearance focused on a cover track, other guitarists had longer tenures that deeply influenced Ozzy’s solo catalogue and live performances. Nevertheless, being invited by Ozzy to collaborate places Bonamassa within a prestigious cohort recognized for exceptional guitar talent.
Joe Bonamassa has spoken up about how Eric Johnson's playing has shaped his sound. Interestingly, a blues legend engraved her name into Bonamassa's favorite 1955 Fender Strat, a testament to the influence blues music has had on his career.
In summary, Bonamassa found working with Ozzy surprising yet honorable, as Ozzy historically picked some of the best guitarists in rock and metal. Ozzy’s guitarist standards were exceptionally high, seeking unique, forward-thinking musicians rather than just technical prowess. Compared to long-term Ozzy guitarists like Randy Rhoads or Zakk Wylde, Bonamassa’s collaboration was a shorter guest contribution with a distinctive blues-rock style. Joining this lineage is significant, reflecting Bonamassa’s stature as a top-tier guitarist despite the brief nature of the collaboration. This context underscores both the prestige of working with Ozzy Osbourne and the unique place Joe Bonamassa holds among Ozzy’s celebrated guitarists.
- Joe Bonamassa, after being invited to play a solo on Ozzy Osbourne's covers album, made the amplifier crackle and tremble with his signature electric guitar, a 1955 Fender Strat, replete with a blues legend's engraving.
- On the album Under Cover, Bonamassa delighted fans with his unique blues-rock interpretation on the track "For What It's Worth," contributing to a diverse mix of music and entertainment.
- In addition to the legendary guitarists like Randy Rhoads and Zakk Wylde, Bonamassa's name now graces the illustrious roster of guitarists who have contributed to Ozzy Osbourne's iconic solo career, setting him apart as a notable player in the world of rock and music.
