Acclaimed guitarist Al Pitrelli has recounted the fascinating “what if” story of being considered to replace Jake E. Lee in Ozzy Osbourne‘s band in the late 1980s. In a new interview, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra musical director explained how that near-miss, and the professional respect he showed, became a pivotal moment that ultimately launched his prolific career with other rock legends.
Speaking with Radio Forrest, Pitrelli detailed how he was recommended for the coveted guitar slot in 1987 or 1988 by legendary producer Max Norman, who had worked on Ozzy’s classic early albums.
“Max Norman was Ozzy‘s producer… and I had known Max in New York City, and he called me up and he goes, ‘I’m recommending you to Sharon to be one of the people that they look at to replace Jake,'” Pitrelli recalled (as transcribed by Blabbermouth). “And I was, like, ‘Oh my God. Fantastic.'”
In a remarkable coincidence, Pitrelli then had a chance encounter with Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne in New York. He decided to approach them with respect and gratitude rather than salesmanship.
“I said, ‘I don’t mean to interrupt you guys.’ And I introduced myself to Sharon. I said, ‘Listen, my name’s Al Pitrelli. Max Norman put my name into a hat for potential people that were gonna audition for you guys. I just wanna say thank you for the opportunity, but whatever happens, good luck to you. Love you guys. Respect always.’ And Ozzy nodded and smiled, and Sharon shook my hand very graciously and said, ‘Thank you.'”
The role, of course, famously went to Zakk Wylde. But Pitrelli holds no bitterness, acknowledging it was the right move for the band at the time. “I think when Zakk walked in the room, it was all over. And Zakk was the perfect choice for Ozzy back then,” he stated.
For Pitrelli, simply being on the radar for such a high-profile gig was a massive confidence boost that led directly to other opportunities through a “pay it back” system of recommendations among his peers.
“Not too long after that is when Steve Vai turned around and recommended me to replace him in David Lee Roth‘s band,” he said. While that gig didn’t materialize, Vai made another recommendation that stuck. “And then Steve reiterated that thought to Alice Cooper when Alice needed a musical director and Alice hired me,” he explained. “Everybody takes care of each other when you’re out there, if you come from the old neighborhood.”
