Ozzy Osbourne – THE OZZMOSIS SESSIONS CD

Ozzy Osbourne is one of the most remarkable figures in rock history, with a solo career spanning decades and helping to define the sound and image of heavy metal. Following his departure from Black Sabbath in 1979, he embarked on a hugely successful solo career that produced a succession of landmark albums, beginning with Blizzard of Ozz (1980). Along the way, Ozzy established himself as one of heavy metal’s most recognisable and enduring figures, earning multiple Grammy Awards, a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and numerous lifetime achievement honours. His influence extends far beyond record sales and accolades, with his distinctive voice and unmistakable persona continuing to inspire generations of rock and metal musicians.Following the enormous success of No More Tears (1991), Ozzy announced that he intended to retire from touring. However, his creative ambitions soon drew him back into the studio. Early sessions for new material were undertaken with producer Michael Wagener, who had mixed No More Tears, and featured guitarist Zakk Wylde alongside bassist Mike Inez and drummer Randy Castillo. Initially, the intention was to build on the sound of its hugely successful predecessor, with a number of songs taking shape during these sessions. However, Epic Records reportedly decided that the album required a new production approach, and Michael Beinhorn was brought in to produce what became Ozzmosis (1995). Alongside Beinhorn, Mark Hudson and Steve Dudas were enlisted to assist with the songwriting, with the original material subsequently reworked or scrapped entirely.Featured on this disc are rehearsals, demos and alternative versions from the Beinhorn recording sessions that differ significantly from the final Ozzmosis recordings, offering a rare glimpse into the creative process behind one of Ozzy’s most distinctive albums. These early versions provide an alternative perspective, revealing the songs in various stages of development as Ozzy, Wylde and their collaborators worked to craft the material, while highlighting the dramatic shift in direction that would ultimately define the finished album.