🤘 The collaboration between Ozzy Osbourne and guitarist Zakk Wylde stands as one of the most enduring and beloved partnerships in metal history. Wylde stepped into the massive void left by Randy Rhoads and Jake E. Lee, eventually becoming Ozzy’s longest-serving, and for many, his definitive, lead guitarist. Their work together defined some of the singer’s most successful records and tours.
In a classic Guitar World interview from May 2018, published as Ozzy embarked on his final world tour, the pair sat down to reflect on their three-decade journey, sharing stories from Wylde’s original audition to their wildest moments on stage.
The Origin of the Iconic Duo
The article opens with a humorous anecdote that captures the raw chaos and deep bond between the two musicians:
> “I look over at Zakk and he can’t work the fretboard. I’m screaming at him, ‘It’s from liftin’ them weights!’ I didn’t realize he’d taken all the antibiotics in the bottle.”
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This quote highlights the close-quarters intensity of their professional relationship, where humor often masked moments of real confusion and concern.
Ozzy’s Farewell: Not Quite Retirement
The 2018 conversation took place amid a wave of rock and metal “farewell” tours. While Ozzy had previously retired only to return (notably his 1992 No More Tours excursion followed by the 1995 Retirement Sucks Tour), he clarified the nature of this latest road run.
Having just concluded Black Sabbath’s final tour, Ozzy made a distinction regarding his solo career:
> “Okay, but let’s be clear about what this really is. This isn’t a real ‘farewell’ tour. I keep saying that to people – I’m not retiring; I’m just not going to tour the world anymore. I’ll still do gigs occasionally. Maybe I’ll do a Vegas thing or something. But I’m not going away forever or anything like that. It’s a ‘no more tours’ tour.”
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The interview serves as a tribute to their enduring legacy, celebrating how Wylde and Osbourne became metal’s most cherished pairing, even as the singer prepares to leave the global touring circuit.