In a revealing interview for the latest issue of Metal Hammer, Faith No More drummer Mike Bordin has shared a deeply personal encounter with Ozzy Osbourne, recounting the powerful words he spoke to the heavy metal icon in 1990. Bordin’s heartfelt message, “You saved my life,” left a clear impact on the “Prince of Darkness.”
The significant meeting occurred at a pivotal moment for both artists. In 1990, Faith No More was skyrocketing to mainstream recognition following the success of their album The Real Thing and its breakout single “Epic.” The band was honored as “Band Of The Year” by RIP Magazine, leading to an invitation to a star-studded awards ceremony in Los Angeles. A highlight of the event was Faith No More‘s performance, which famously included a rendition of Black Sabbath‘s “War Pigs” featuring Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica‘s James Hetfield. “We couldn’t believe it!” Bordin recalled. “We got up and played with [James] Hetfield and Ozzy and it was incredible.”
Following the performance, at a Hollywood after-party filled with rock and metal luminaries, Ozzy approached a tired Bordin. Osbourne‘s initial words were unexpected, as Bordin remembers: “He said to me, ‘Why did you guys do ‘War Pigs‘ on the album? Are you taking the p*ss?’” This question, seemingly a challenge, caught Bordin off guard. At the time, Ozzy was navigating a challenging period, having faced arrest in 1989 and undergoing rehab at the dawn of the ’90s while working on his comeback album, No More Tears. Bordin observed Ozzy‘s somber demeanor, noting: “He’d been through some rough times and looked so sad, man.”
It was then that Bordin felt compelled to share his profound personal story. He recounted how, after his mother’s suicide when he was young, he found solace and strength in Black Sabbath‘s music during a period of deep family hardship. The music, he explained, offered an understanding unlike anything else: “I found this music that wasn’t singing about stuff that was pleasant – it’s powerful, dark and the message is you’re not alone. So I told him, ‘You saved my life’.” The emotional weight of this revelation was clear, with Bordin emphasizing: “It really f**king hit him. I had to tell him what he meant though.”
This raw and honest connection forged that night proved foundational. Years later, as Faith No More‘s activity began to wind down, Bordin was recruited as Ozzy Osbourne‘s new drummer in 1996. He would go on to tour extensively with Ozzy over the next decade, contributing his drumming to albums such as 2001’s Down To Earth and 2007’s Black Rain.
