Tommy Clufetos Reflects on Black Sabbath's '13' Exclusion: A Drummer's Perspective

In a raw and revealing interview with Remzi "Jam Man" Yates on Rocking With Jam Man, BLACK SABBATH's own Tommy Clufetos laid bare the realities of being a sideman in the unforgiving world of heavy metal. He opened up about his exclusion from the band's final studio album, 2013's '13', where the drum throne was occupied by Brad Wilk of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE. Clufetos stated candidly, "I didn’t get chose to play on the record, and I think even Ozzy cleared it up that he and the other guys wanted me to play on the record. But ultimately, it was Rick Rubin who made the call, and you can’t argue with the success of that album. It went to Number One, after all. So, it’s all water under the bridge now.

Clufetos went further to explain the complexities of being a hired gun, emphasizing the need for resilience in an industry where decisions often lie beyond a musician’s control. "I try to handle those moments with the most class that I can. You win some, you lose some. They made a great record. They chose who they chose, and that was their product. That’s part of being a sideman. It’s not my choice, and there was a lot going on behind the scenes that led to that decision," he articulated, showcasing the grit required to navigate such highs and lows.

Reflecting on the decision to hand the sticks to Wilk, Clufetos revealed, "I believe it was strictly a Rick Rubin decision. He’s a great producer with a solid track record, but I guess that’s more of a question for him. It’s a strange feeling to not fit into someone else's vision, but you’ve got to be able to step back and not take it personally." His words resonate with the understanding that in the realm of rock and metal, egos can clash, but personal pride must often take a backseat to the greater artistic vision.

In his role with SABBATH and Ozzy Osbourne's solo band, Clufetos learned invaluable lessons about adaptability and resilience. "Being a sideman musician versus being a member of a band makes you tougher," he explained. "You learn that the show must go on, regardless of personal feelings. It’s a different kind of challenge than playing with a band you’ve known for decades. When you step into a new situation, you’ve got to read the room and adjust your style accordingly." His experience underscores the reality that while camaraderie is vital, the ability to fit in and contribute to diverse musical landscapes is equally essential.

Ultimately, Clufetos finds a silver lining in his role. "I like being a sideman because when the job’s done, it’s done. I don’t have the stress of managing a tour or worrying about crew payments. There are pros and cons to every situation, but I’ve learned to appreciate the unique perspective that comes with being on the sidelines of rock’s biggest stages." His journey serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in the heavy metal arena.