Ozzy Osbourne nonchalantly dropped the bomb to Classic Rock magazine that he’s parted ways with longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde and is currently auditioning new guitarists, including virtuoso Rob Zombie guitarist and consummate weirdo John 5.
“Well, I’m getting a new guitar player as we speak,” said Ozzy, “and everyone has been saying to me for a long time, ‘Get Johnny 5!’ And I tried him at one time and I didn’t really give him a chance. We’ll see, I don’t know. I haven’t fallen out with Zakk, but Zakk’s got his own band, and I felt like my stuff was beginning to sound like Black Label Society. I just felt like I wanted a change, y’know?
It’s a totally adorable and appropriate Ozzy-ism that he’s confusing John 5 with Johnny 5. Meanwhile, this is all coming as news to poor Zakk Wylde, who’s airing his confusion on Twitter:
I haven’t heard anything about this. Until I talk to the Boss I don’t know. I love Ozzy. I’m doing Blizzcon with him in August and supposed to finish up the cd in September….this is news to me.
It should also be noted that our friends at Metal Sucks totally suggested Ozzy make this move last year.
