Drummer Tommy Aldridge has broken his silence on accusations made by George Lynch regarding the selection process for Ozzy Osbourne’s band in the early 1980s. Speaking during a recent appearance on Get On The Bus, Aldridge clarified his role and pushed back against claims that he had influenced who would ultimately play guitar for the Prince of Darkness.

Aldridge Denies Influence Over Guitarist Selection

In his interview, Aldridge explained that while he was present during auditions, he never had the authority to decide who got the gig. Instead, his role was more of a supportive one.

“It was narrowed down to two or three guys. John Sykes, at that time, was already involved with someone else,” Aldridge said. “George Lynch was heavy in that running. George Lynch is an incredible, groundbreaking guitar player ahead of his time. He’s still current, viable, and vital today, you know?”

According to the drummer, Lynch’s talent was never in question. However, circumstances and timing played a larger role in shaping the outcome than anything Aldridge did.

Confrontation at a Hollywood Hills Party

Aldridge also recalled a heated encounter with George Lynch, where the guitarist confronted him about the matter.

“For some reason, I remember George came up to me at a party in Hollywood Hills one time, and he was upset with me. He was mad at me because he thought that I was responsible for Jake E. Lee becoming Ozzy’s guitar player rather than him,” Aldridge continued.

The drummer emphasized that the accusation was unfounded.

“Well, that’s just not true, because I don’t make those kinds of choices. All I did was… Sharon asked if I could help audition guitar players. I said, ‘I’ll do my level best.’ We came to the table and found we were blessed with finding Jake E. Lee.”

Here, Aldridge made it clear that Sharon Osbourne, who managed Ozzy’s career, oversaw the decision-making process. His contribution was simply to assist during auditions, not to cast the final vote.

Behind-the-Scenes of Ozzy’s Guitarist Search

The early 1980s were a tumultuous period for Ozzy Osbourne. Following the tragic death of guitarist Randy Rhoads in 1982, Ozzy and his management were left scrambling to find a replacement who could fill such enormous shoes. The shortlist reportedly included guitarists like John Sykes, George Lynch, and eventually Jake E. Lee, who secured the position and went on to play on landmark albums such as Bark at the Moon.

Aldridge’s clarification shines a light on just how intense and emotional that search was. With so many talented players in the mix, feelings of rivalry were inevitable.

Aldridge’s Entry into Ozzy’s Circle

While fans often speculate about the inner workings of band auditions, Aldridge explained that his own involvement with Ozzy’s band came through connections in the broader rock scene. Having already built a name for himself with acts like Gary Moore, he found himself naturally pulled into Ozzy’s orbit.

Gary Moore was signed to Jet Records, the same label that handled Ozzy’s solo career at the time. Through this shared professional circle, Aldridge’s participation in auditions made sense, but it never extended to choosing who Ozzy’s next guitarist would be.

The Lasting Legacy of George Lynch

Despite missing out on the Ozzy Osbourne gig, George Lynch went on to achieve massive success with Dokken and later Lynch Mob. Known for his inventive guitar work, Lynch became one of the most celebrated shredders of the 1980s, cementing his place in heavy metal history.

Meanwhile, Jake E. Lee carved out his own legacy with Ozzy, bringing a fresh and fiery playing style that shaped the band’s sound during the mid-1980s. His arrival marked a turning point, helping Ozzy rebuild momentum after Rhoads’ tragic passing.

Clearing the Air After Decades

Aldridge’s comments help clear up decades of speculation and lingering tension around this chapter of rock history. By openly acknowledging the confrontation with Lynch while firmly denying any wrongdoing, he adds nuance to a story that has long fueled debates among fans.

His words also highlight the emotional stakes for musicians trying to break into major bands during the 1980s. Auditions weren’t just about skill — they were about timing, management decisions, and sometimes just plain luck.

Final Thoughts

The episode underscores how myths can grow around band history, especially when careers and egos are at stake. Tommy Aldridge’s account suggests that the final call was always in the hands of management, not the musicians helping with auditions.

By sharing his perspective now, Aldridge not only clears his name but also offers fans a valuable behind-the-scenes look into one of rock’s most intriguing what-ifs: what would have happened if George Lynch had landed the gig with Ozzy Osbourne instead of Jake E. Lee?