Guitar icon Zakk Wylde recently looked back at his life-changing 1987 audition for Ozzy Osbourne‘s band, recalling his surprise that while he viewed the opportunity with near-religious reverence, many of his fellow guitarists simply saw it as a career move.
In a new interview with The Smashing Pumpkins‘ frontman Billy Corgan, Wylde explained that for him, the chance to play with the Prince of Darkness was about joining a sacred lineage of guitar heroes like Randy Rhoads and Tony Iommi. He was shocked by the attitude of the other musicians trying out for the coveted spot.
“I came out, and I remember… Some of the guys who were auditioning… It was so weird, because everybody was talking about, you know, ‘I hear the gig pays well.’ You know, ‘It’s a good career opportunity’, or whatever,” Wylde said (as transcribed by Ultimate Guitar).
For Wylde, however, the motivation was entirely different. He compared the experience to being a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees getting to play for the team. “And all I was thinking is, ‘Here I am.’ [It was like] I’ve been wearing a Yankee [jersey], [and] I’m a fan of the Yankees,” he explained. “To me, that jersey is sacred ground, and my hero is Thurman Munson. I’m a catcher, and now I’m standing in the same spot where Thurman Munson stood. So, for me, that’s how sacred it is… But a lot of other people, they were just like, ‘Yeah, whatever. I think it’s a good-paying gig.'”
His initial expectations were incredibly humble. “I was just hoping to get an autograph and a picture with Ozzy. I can’t even believe this is happening, you know?” he recalled.
That deep respect and dedication ultimately paid off, leading not only to a legendary career but also to a deep, familial bond with the Osbournes. Wylde explained that he has viewed Ozzy and Sharon as parental figures for decades.
“Everyone always asks about my relationship with Ozzy and Mom. I lovingly always refer to her as Mom, because she’s been like my mother since I was 19, 20 years old,” he shared. “And Ozz has been like… I always had the two coolest guys growing up, between my father, who’s a World War Two vet — D Day, Omaha Beach — and Ozzy. I could always ask them for advice. Oz is like an older brother.”
