In a recent interview with Guitar Player, acclaimed blues-rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa offered fascinating insight into how Ozzy Osbourne approached hiring guitarists throughout his legendary solo career. According to Bonamassa, Ozzy wasn’t just looking for technical skill — he was driven by a deep sense of competition and a desire to work with players who could redefine the boundaries of rock guitar.
A Legacy of Guitar Greats
Throughout his decades-long career, Ozzy Osbourne has worked with some of the most iconic guitarists in rock history. Bonamassa highlighted this impressive lineup during the interview:
“When you talk about the great guitar players that played with Ozzy Osbourne — I mean Tony Iommi, obviously, in Black Sabbath, [but also] Brad Gillis, Jake E. Lee, Zakk Wylde, Randy Rhoads,” Bonamassa said. “So he always required someone on the guitar that was forward-thinking and hungry.”
From Tony Iommi’s groundbreaking work in Black Sabbath to Randy Rhoads’ neo-classical flair and Zakk Wylde’s aggressive, squealing tone, every guitarist in Ozzy’s orbit brought something new and exciting to the table.
Ozzy’s Competitive Drive
Perhaps the most surprising detail shared by Bonamassa was Ozzy’s mindset when choosing a new guitarist. According to Bonamassa, Ozzy wasn’t simply filling a role—he wanted his guitarist to be the absolute best.
“I read a quote from Ozzy himself [where he said] he wanted someone who wanted to kick Eddie Van Halen’s butt on guitar,” Bonamassa continued. “And that was a thing for him. And his music really required a very specialized guitarist because it was very simple music, but people like Zakk Wylde, they put their own stamp on it.”
That competitive spirit reveals a lot about Ozzy’s artistic standards. Even though his music might appear straightforward on the surface, it required immense creativity and presence from his guitarists.
A Rigorous Standard for Rock Greatness
Ozzy’s search for the right guitar players has always been meticulous. Ever since leaving Black Sabbath in 1979, he has sought out musicians who could elevate his solo material and leave a lasting mark.
Bonamassa’s remarks not only honor the long line of Ozzy’s past guitarists but also highlight the high standards and vision the Prince of Darkness has always brought to his music.
