Ozzy's Unheard Final Tracks: A Last Riff Before the Curtain Falls
In a recent heart-wrenching interview with Billboard, Andrew Watt, the mastermind behind Ozzy Osbourne's last two albums, has peeled back the curtain on the untold stories surrounding the metal icon's final days. Just hours before Ozzy's emotional farewell performance in Birmingham last July, Watt and the Prince of Darkness recorded a collection of unheard tracks that now linger in the shadows, waiting to be unleashed.
Watt, who also spoke to Rolling Stone, acknowledged the heavy emotional weight these tracks carry, stating, "There are some songs that we made for a specific reason... And yeah, that’s all I can say. They’re hard for me to listen to. I haven’t listened to them." While he hinted at a plan for these tracks, the details remain locked away, shrouded in mystery much like the man himself.
The producer also addressed recent comments from Black Sabbath’s legendary guitarist, Tony Iommi, who expressed reservations about embarking on a final Sabbath album, suggesting Watt was perhaps a tad too enthusiastic. Watt clarified that the remarks were misconstrued while admitting, "I’m an excited musician and person." It's a testament to the passion that fuels the metal scene, even as it teeters on the edge of finality.
As the duo had wrapped up their work on the last two Ozzy solo records, the idea of collaborating with the original Sabbath lineup, including the elusive Bill Ward, began to take form. Watt revealed, "Making an album with Bill was really important to him." This desire for a final flourish with the original lineup illustrates Osbourne's unwavering commitment to his roots, even as he faced the grim reality of his health.
In an exclusive conversation with Sharon Osbourne, who has been a steadfast pillar throughout Ozzy's tumultuous journey, she shared insights into the emotional turmoil leading up to his final performance. Despite dire medical advice warning him against the show, Ozzy's indomitable spirit shone through. "It’s not an option. It’s what I want," he declared, embodying the very essence of a warrior facing his fate head-on.
Sharon reflected on that day as one of triumph, a testament to Ozzy's legacy. "He was blessed to be able to choose the way you die," she mused. As the world prepares to witness the concert film, Ozzy & Black Sabbath: Back To The Beginning, set to hit theaters on October 28 for a limited time, fans will once again get a glimpse of the metal legend's unyielding spirit and his monumental impact on the genre.