Neil Carter, the guitarist of UFO, was interviewed by Rock Interview Series, where he shared his opinion about singer Ozzy Osbourne.
Here’s what Carter said:
“Watching them, I mean, I’ve never been a massive fan of Ozzy’s voice. I like Ozzy himself, and he’s a very funny man, extremely funny guy, but watching that band on stage with Tommy Aldridge, Rudy Sarzo, and then you’ve got Don [Airey, keyboardist] sitting up in the tower, it was a great thing to watch.
“But I must admit, I used to watch the audience and thinking 19-20 thousand people going bonkers, and watching Ozzy stomping around the stage. I mean, it’s a very strange thing. I’ve never quite understood the appeal of Ozzy, but people love him.
“They actually think he’s the best thing ever, but he’s always had really good people with him. If you just had Ozzy on his own, it would be a slightly different story. He’s had great songwriters with him, and he had people like Bob Daisley [Ozzy Osbourne bassist], who I’ve worked with for a long time, writing the lyrics.
“That band was spectacular, the band with Randy, Rudy Sarzo and Tommy Aldridge, which is absolutely incredible to watch. I used to just be in awe of Randy’s playing, it was so good.”
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Neil who? Sounds like someone’s a little jealous. If the guy was that bad then he wouldn’t of had a musical rear of 50 years or more! So I ask again Neil who? This coming from a band that eddie trunk likes…. Enough said
Ah no. He’s not jealous, he’s honest. He’s saying what I’ve been saying since 1981. Ozzys success is because of Randy, Tommy and Bob Daisley. I love Ozzy and I bought the albums and went to his concerts. He’s a unique singer without question, but not all that talented.
As for UFO – they’re outstanding. One of the best. Nevermind Eddie Trunk. Doesn’t matter.
But you realize that Ozzie had most of those melodies, right? Randy transcribed what Oz would hum to him..
Listen to Dave. He knows.
Just because your too young to know who he is means nothing except your too young to remember him. UFO WAS a very talented band that was successful a long time. Their guitarist has nothing to be jealous about.
This guy was in UFO for 3 years in the 80’s hardly a major contributor or member of the band.
His voice is unique and if you listen yo Sabbath era he had a range too. No one sounds like him so is he Plant or Mercury no buy that doesn’t take away from him. Love Ozzy
He’s not putting him down. It’s kinda FACT. I’m a fan but I know he’s not a great singer.
He’s Not Wrong At All
OZZY has a unique voice, charisma running out of his pores, along with that crazy personality makes him mysterious and draws you in cuz hes like in his own little world and that makes him mysterious and makes you want to escape to that little world he’s in hav ing so much fun, thats why Ozzy is still relevant, but thats just my opinion.
Sad but true ,ozzy has claimed all sorts but has piggy backed on others song writing and lyrics .Been to see Ozzy live in Ireland, great live ,been to see U.F.O LIVE TOO , they ,including Neil Carter write all their own stuff for 50 years 😀, Neil is Correct .
Maybe not a ‘great singer’ but his voice fit the music! That’s what matters.
Michael Schenker is the greatest UFO guitarist, don’t even know Neil Carter, but Ozzy is still releasing new solo albums 40 years later…
Neil Carter man. Played on all that great early 80s UFO. Then rejoined after Paul Raymond died. Great player
But one has to ask: why would top rated musicians like Randy and Rudy want to play with Ozzy if he didn’t have sone layer of talent?