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Transcript of a conference call with Ozzy Osbourne on Aug. 5

Thanks to the Mitch Schneider Organization for transcribing this … seemed like the perfect post on the eve of Ozzfest, scheduled for Saturday at noon. For more information on the heavy metal festival featuring Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue, Rob Halford of Judas Priest and more or to purchase tickets, go here: www.ticketmaster.com/event/090044B0C9343643?artistid=821241&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=200 or http://www.ozzfest.com/
MITCH SCHNEIDER ORGANIZATION 

Moderator: Angela Villanueva
August 5, 2010
3:00 pm CT 
Coordinator: Our first question is from (Vanessa Franko). Your line is open. 

(Vanessa Franko): Hi Ozzy. My name’s (Vanessa Franko). I’m a reporter with the Press Enterprise in Riverside. Thank you so much for doing the call. 

Ozzy Osbourne: You’re welcome. 

(Vanessa Franko): You’ve been playing San Bernardino for a long time now. I know you’ve been in the ’80’s at the Old Swing Auditorium and (De Vore) was one of the first home – the home’s of the first year of Ozzfest. 
What it is about San Bernardino that makes it such a great fit for Ozzfest? 

Ozzy Osbourne: Well it’s also been one of the chosen. It’s not anything extraordinary, it’s just the facilities added reality to the festival, you know. 

(Vanessa Franko): Thank you so much. Thank you. 

Coordinator: Our next question is from (Tim Shellberg). Your line is open. 
(Tim Shellberg): Ozzy, good afternoon. How you doing? 

Ozzy Osbourne: I’m fine thanks. How are you? 

(Tim Shellberg): Good. Very good. By coincidence, I was in the mall where your book signing was in Chicago. How would you describe the book tour and the signings as a whole? 

Ozzy Osbourne: Well, I enjoyed going – a few (records) still around. I really enjoyed all the signing and meeting the people, you know. 

(Tim Shellberg): Absolutely. Thank you so much. 

Ozzy Osbourne: You’re welcome. 

Coordinator: Our next question is from (Richard Duckett). Your line is open. 
(Richard Duckett): Yeah, hello. This is (Richard Duckett) at the Worcester Telegram in Worcester, Massachusetts. 
I was wondering, what sort of level of involvement do you have with the actual Ozzfest itself? I mean, do you help choose the bands? Do you mentor… 

Ozzy Osbourne: Well actually I don’t. I ask my son (Jack) and get it all together. (unintelligible). It always works out fine, you know. 

Well, to answer you question, no I don’t get involved with it. 

(Richard Duckett): Okay. All right. Thank you. 
Coordinator: Our next question is from (Dave Wedge). Your line is open. 
(Dave Wedge): Hi Ozzy. How you doing? (Dave Wedge) from the Boston Herald. 

Ozzy Osbourne: How you doing? 

(Dave Wedge): Good. Can you talk a little bit about how the band’s different without (Zakk)? 

Ozzy Osbourne: Well, you know, (Zakk) helped me out with his band and my band at the same time. (unintelligible) to replace it, and (unintelligible). But, it’s a different – what I really love, seeing these young kids, you know, grow. 

I mean, I don’t want anything for one minute to think that (Zakk) and I have a fallen out. We have not. 

(Dave Wedge): Okay. Great. To the operator, it’s getting a little garbled on my end. Ozzy’s answers, I can hear all the questions fine, but Ozzy’s… 
Coordinator: Yes, yeah I’m hearing that too. 
(Dave Wedge): It’s more difficult – I can’t hear it all. 
Coordinator: Is it – are you on a cell phone? 

(Dave Wedge): I am. 
Coordinator: Okay. 
Angela Villanueva: Is that going to be distorted on the recording as well? 

Coordinator: Yes, it’s going to be distorted on the recording. Is Ozzy on his cell phone? Are we in a conference room? 

Ozzy Osbourne: No I’m – I’m on a computer. 

Coordinator: Okay, you sound a little better right there. 

Ozzy Osbourne: Okay. 

Coordinator: Go ahead. 

Ozzy Osbourne: Okay, I haven’t moved. 

Coordinator: Okay. 

Ozzy Osbourne: Okay. 

Coordinator: Let me just go with the next question here. 

Ozzy Osbourne: Okay. 

Coordinator: The next question is from (Wes Woods). Your line is open. 

Ozzy Osbourne: Hello. Hello. 

Coordinator: (Wes Woods) your line is open. 
(Wes Woods): Hello. Can you hear me now? 
Coordinator: Yes sir. We can hear you. 

Ozzy Osbourne: Can you hear me? 

(Wes Woods): Yes I, can you hear me? 

Ozzy Osbourne: Yeah, I can hear you fine. 

(Wes Woods): Okay, perfect. I wanted to ask you about Rob Zombie’s recent comments about how he claimed that you stole his drummer and before that his bassist and was wondering if you had any sort of kind of answer to that? 

Ozzy Osbourne: I have never stolen a band member from anybody. What – I just see your coincidence that the two guys previously worked with Rob Zombie. I have never signed with anybody. I never stole anybody.’ 

(Wes Woods): Okay. Thank you. 

Ozzy Osbourne: Nobody owned anybody. 

Coordinator: The next question is from (Ann Erickson). Your line is open. 
(Anne Erickson): Hey Ozzy. Thanks so much for doing this call. 
Regarding your new guitar player, Gus G, what criteria were you looking for in a player to fill Zakk’s spot? 

Ozzy Osbourne: He’s basically got to be a good player. And he’s gotten to be along with the job. You know, I mean, he wasn’t the first I had heard play. I heard a bunch of those play, but he stood out the best you know. 

Coordinator: Okay. Thank you. Our next call is from (Tyler Davidson). Your line is open. 

(Tyler Davidson): Thank you very much. How you doing Ozzy? 

Ozzy Osbourne: How are you doing man? 

(Tyler Davidson): Good. Good. Now, the 40th anniversary of Paranoid is coming up, and obviously, you know, a lot of things have changed. What do you think are some of the things about yourself or about rock in general, that have remained the most consistent over the last 40 years? 

Ozzy Osbourne: Well, I still like to play “Love You”, because it’s still one of my record. It’s pretty cool when I hear myself. And so, I mean, for a minute, you’ve got to have fun doing what you do. 

(Tyler Davidson): Fantastic. Thank you. 

Ozzy Osbourne: All right. 

Coordinator: Our next call is from (Scott Mervis). Your line is open. 
(Scott Mervis): Hi Ozzy. How are you? 

Ozzy Osbourne: I’m fine. 

(Scott Mervis): You know, I really liked your book a lot and I – and it was really revealing and I was wondering, just how difficult was it to put that together and reveal so much about yourself? 

Ozzy Osbourne: I mean, everybody’s read the “Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll” on the walls. I mean, people obviously need to know what’s going on. I mean, that goes on, but you know, there’s a story behind it. And it was very easy to do, because I mean, I’m one of these guys that takes risks and the respect that tell the truth and it’s okay. You know. 

It’s no-, I mean, there’s a lot of interesting stuff about me in there, but there’s a lot that didn’t go into the book. I’m thinking about doing another book to follow it up. 

But, (unintelligible), maybe why I’m still ugly. I don’t know. 

Coordinator: Thank you. Our next question is from (Hayley Bykens). Your line is open. 
(Hayley Bykens): Hi Ozzy. It’s so great to talk to you. 

Ozzy Osbourne: Thank you. 

(Hayley Bykens): My question is about the footage you found of Randy Rhoads (unintelligible). 

Ozzy Osbourne: Whoa, whoa, okay, you phased in and out. I can’t make out what you’re saying. 

(Hayley Bykens): This a little better for you? 

Ozzy Osbourne: No it’s a real ring. I mean, those cell phone. 

(Hayley Bykens): My question is – hello can you hear me now? 

Ozzy Osbourne: No it’s breaking up badly. 

(Hayley Bykens): Okay, my question for you is about the footage you found of the Randy Rhoads early in your career. Do you have any details about how much will be included in the box set of the Blizzard Diary or where it might have been filmed? 

Ozzy Osbourne: I don’t know anything about what you’re saying. My wife’s is doing all that. I have heard and seen a little bit of it. If I’m correct, it’s taken from like a Super Eight Studio. 

But they might- I mean, so much was going on the Osbourne clan. I don’t get a chance to catch up with it, but I think what you said about the video, about who was it Randy? 

(Hayley Bykens): Yes. 

Ozzy Osbourne: Well he’s amazing. After all these years, people are still coming up with, you know, they clean their attic and they’ll find another thing, you know. It’s really interesting. 

But we’ll have to wait and see it though. Thank you. 

(Hayley Bykens): Thank you. 

Coordinator: Our next question is from (Rege Behe). You line is open. 

(Rege Behe): Yes, Ozzy, thank you for your time today. 

Ozzy Osbourne: Pardon. 

(Rege Behe): Thank you for your time today. 

Ozzy Osbourne: Oh, you’re welcome. You’re very welcome. 

(Rege Behe): Well, Ozzy it’s been reported lately, that you hope to work on another record with Black Sabbath. Can you talk about that a little bit and when that might happen and how you envision it? 

Ozzy Osbourne: Well, what I’m doing – I’m doing a tour now, which is going to take approximately 18 months. We’re talking, and that’s a good sign. We’re not at war with each other, actually people keep bringing up the legal thing I had with (Tony), which is – it’s all set, where everybody’s friendly again. 

I was speaking to Bill Ward last night. I’ve got to speak to the other two. But it was in the last attempt where we just all met without saying anything to each other for quite a few years. But I want, you know, I’m trying to get things done right, talking at least. 

I don’t – I can’t give any dates or – cause I don’t know anything. I don’t whether they want to do it with me or whatever, but I’m starting to feel ease up for it and it’s just – it’s been something… 

To be honestly with you, I would love to do a killer Black Sabbath album. It would make my life – my whole thing round up perfectly for me. 

Basically… 

(Rege Behe): Would you see that as a career capstone then? 

Ozzy Osbourne: Sorry. 

(Rege Behe): Would you see that as a, you know, the ultimate in your career, bringing it full circle? 

Ozzy Osbourne: Well, it’s closure, I mean, as far as I’m concerned. We broke up on bad terms. But if it did come together, it’d be great. But I’m not saying it will or won’t. I don’t know. 

(Rege Behe): Thank you very much. 

Ozzy Osbourne: All I’m saying is, that I’m willing. Hello. 

Coordinator: Yes, we have the next question from (Vanessa Franko). 

(Vanessa Franko): Hi Ozzy. Why was this the year to bring Ozzfest back again as a touring festival? 

Ozzy Osbourne: Well, we had no idea in the first place, it was going to take off as big as it did. And it had become a yearly thing. And I was kind of getting a bit tired of doing the same routine every year and year out. 

And so I took a break from it for a couple of years and even that two years, it’s been a few of the festivals of, you know, get going. 

And we didn’t want a big festival out there and have nobody turn up, so we just started again really basically, and you know, a few shows. 

So that was – if it takes off, it takes off. It’s been one of the great experiences of my life. 

(Vanessa Franko): Thank you so much. 
Coordinator: And our last question is from (Anne Erickson). Your line is open. 

(Anne Erickson): Hey Ozzy congrats on the success of Stream. How much writing did Gus G do on the new album? 
Ozzy are you there? 
OZZY’S CALL DROPS 

Ozzy Osbourne: Hello, I’m here now. 

Coordinator: Okay, I have a question in queue. Okay, are you ready? 
Okay. 

Ozzy Osbourne: Yeah. 

Coordinator: Okay, (Vanessa Franko) your line is open. 
(Vanessa Franko): Oh yeah. Ozzy, you know, this year you have Motley Crew coming out with you for Ozzfest. Like what is your vision for the tour this year and is it any different than what you’ve done in previous years with Ozzfest? 

Ozzy Osbourne: Well, it’ll be me. And I havened been on set with Motley Crew since 1984 which was one of the intense -most intense tours I ever did in the respect that we’re all ****ing crazy, you know. 

But I really don’t think from my half, that it’s going to be as well as it was, I mean, in the respective getting loaded and all that ****, you know. 

I don’t do that anymore, you know, only a little bit all on the… 

(Vanessa Franko): And are there any differences, like are you planning on bringing, obviously you have a Scream out, like a different stage show than you have in the past? 

Ozzy Osbourne: You know, I don’t really know, because I’m -I’ve been getting all prepared. I haven’t – see jogged my memory. I ask Sharon what I got to do you know. I mean, I’ve just done some shows in England and Europe. I mean, I’ve got a new band now. I’ve got a new guitar player this year, and I’ve got (Tommy) on drums and you – it was a lot of fun to play with these guys. 

You know, I’m going to see you know. I’m sure it’ll be – I mean, I think it’ll be – because there are so many bands on the Ozzfest, a stage set on you know, but we’re coming back late in the show. We’re doing arenas – I’ll be my band. 

(Vanessa Franko): Great. Thank you so much. 

Ozzy Osbourne: You’re very welcome ma’am. 

Coordinator: And this is the operator. If you’d like to ask a question, press Star 1 and if you asked at the beginning, if you would like to re-ask that question, please press Star 1. 
(Dave Wedge) your line is open. 
(Dave Wedge): Hi Ozzy. You broke up a little in the beginning when I asked this question. I was… 
Coordinator: That’s what you wanted. 

(Dave Wedge): Hello. 

Ozzy Osbourne: Hello. 

(Dave Wedge): Hey Ozzy. 

Ozzy Osbourne: Yeah. 

(Dave Wedge): It’s (Dave Wedge) at the Boston Herald again, but… 

Ozzy Osbourne: I can’t make out what you’re saying man. Hello. 

(Dave Wedge): Can you hear me? 

Ozzy Osbourne: Yeah, yeah, yeah. 

(Dave Wedge): Okay. I – your answer at the beginning got a little distorted, so I just want to ask you again, if you can just talk a little bit about how the band is different than the band you had with (Zakk)? 

Ozzy Osbourne: Well it’s a different guitar player. It’s a different drummer. It’s still – I’m still doing some of the same songs. I’m doing (Zakk)’s songs, (Randy)’s songs, Black Sabbath’s songs. 

Well it’s, I mean, Gus is not trying to replace (Zakk). Gus is his own man, you know. 

I mean, no one could replace (Zakk). (Zakk)’s a force on his own, you know. 

And we have not fallen out, I mean, don’t anyone for one minute think that we’re enemies. We’re not. I still phone him. I’ve called him. And I go – we go out to the movies me and my wife and it’s just – it’s very healthy. 

(Dave Wedge): Okay. Thank you very much Ozzy. 

Ozzy Osbourne: Right. Thank you. 

Coordinator: Our next question if from (Tyler Davidson). Your line is open. 

(Tyler Davidson): Thank you. With Scream, with the new album, what would you say makes Scream stand out as different from your previous albums? 

Ozzy Osbourne: Well, it’s got more drum. I don’t really think that’s a good word. Though, I don’t really know whether that’s a good idea for Ozzy Osgood to spend time on an album. 

See, what I tend to do, is – it’s pretty critical. You know, I’m always going to make a album and finish. And then I let go – the next album is going to be very interesting ’cause of our new drummer, new vocalist, and I’m looking forward to planning the next album. 

It was an experimental album, which is okay. It’s good. It turned out better than I expected it to. 

(Tyler Davidson): Awesome. Thank you. 

Coordinator: And excuse me. Ozzy your line is just breaking up again. 
CONNECTION TROUBLE 
Coordinator: That is actually – that’s better. Yes. Okay, one moment. 

Our next question is from (Wes Woods). Your line is open. 

Ozzy Osbourne: Did you solve things okay. 

(Wes Woods): Hello. Can you hear me? 

Ozzy Osbourne: Can you hear me yeah? Hello. 

Coordinator: (Wes) your line is open. 

Ozzy Osbourne: Hello (Wes). 

Coordinator: (Wes) your line is open. 

(Wes Woods): Yeah, can you hear me now? 

Ozzy Osbourne: Can you hear me? 

(Wes Woods): Yes, can you hear me? 

Ozzy Osbourne: Yes, perfectly. 

(Wes Woods): Okay perfect. All right. Yeah, you were talking earlier about how obviously now with Motley Crew on the bill, you’re sober, so things are obviously changed in years past. 
And so are they, some of them. And I was wondering when you were in the studio now, as opposed to years past, because you are sober, how has that changed your sort of creative approach to making music or is pretty much still the same? 

Ozzy Osbourne: Well, you know, that is a good question, because when I first started to get sober, I thought well how can I enjoy music without drugs or alcohol in my system? And I had to come to a decision that, I’d get help on – it wasn’t – because that the sole reason of my music, that after I did a few changes, in other words, I turned around and people said give me some help, you know. 

I mean, it’s not all done by – it never has been really done all by me. But what I’m talking about my melody lines and my snowball, I do still sing it. You know. 

So I do have to rely – on this last album Scream, (Kevin Churko), the producer who’s a great guy for me to work with, ’cause he plays a little bit of everything – of every instrument and he’s good to work in the studio, but it’s very tough to hand over what you have, you know. 
But I just don’t want to stoned or loaded today, you know. 
(Wes Woods): Yes, yes. All right. Thank you. 
Coordinator: Our next question is from (Anne Erickson). Your line is open. 
(Anne Erickson): Thank you. 
Ozzy Osbourne: Hello (Anne). 
(Anne Erickson): Hello. Well congrats on the success of Scream. How much writing… 
Ozzy Osbourne: Thank you. 
(Anne Erickson): Yeah, you’re welcome. How much writing did Gus G do on the new album? 
Ozzy Osbourne: Well, the basis of the album was done when Gus came along and the way he added to it, he just – we had the place where we thought the guitars she would go and it just did it. But, I’m looking forward to the next album, you know, God willing, we’re all together still. 
He’s a great kid and he wants to learn, you know. He’s good – I’m really like excited for him. 
(Anne Erickson): Awesome. Well thank you. 
Ozzy Osbourne: You’re welcome. 
Coordinator: I show no more questions at this time. If you’d like to ask a question, press Star 1. 
Stand by please. 
Ozzy Osbourne: Okay. 
Coordinator: (Vanessa Franko) your line is open. 
(Vanessa Franko): Yeah, Ozzy what do you still love about performing live? 
Ozzy Osbourne: Well it’s not – when everything in its right place and it’s going well and my voice is on form, and you know, and the crowd is giving me some craziness, it’s one of – it’s just when it going great, there’s nothing in the world to come anywhere near love, sex, drugs, there’s nothing can touch it. 
But then, at the other end of the spectrum, when it’s going bad, there’s nothing worse, as bad as that. It’s – the challenge is still there for me. I still gladly know this is what I’m going to say, but as soon as the crowd, I’ll call the invisible lines, it’s on whether it’s on or not, you know. 

And you know, I’ve had some voice problems in my time. I still do. But when it’s just worse – I look for that one gig when every is in its right place and it’s – you can’t get – you can’t destroy what the feeling are. It’s just amazing. It’s the best feeling you can ever have in your life. 
(Vanessa Franko): Thank you. 
Ozzy Osbourne: You’re welcome
Coordinator: Our next question is from (Tyler Davidson). Your line is open. 
(Tyler Davidson): Yeah, I just wanted to – I was just kind of curious, as far as, the Scream record that you guys did at Dodgers Stadium. How did that whole idea come about? 
Ozzy Osbourne: Well, a lot of it was done in the studio and (Kevin Churko), my producer. I have my own studio in my house, a (pro-tools studio) which basically does computer digital things. 

Now, I can’t work with that ****ing thing. I mean, so he’s one of these guys it’s like – lives in the studio and I – unfortunately, I don’t – I’m not one of these people that loves to live day in, day out, in the studio. 
And it would get things done. And he called me down, and said, “Yeah, that’s cool man.” And so, (Kevin Churko) was a big driving force on Scream. 
(Tyler Davidson): Of course, thank you. 
Coordinator: At this time, I show no further questions. 
If you’d like to ask a question, press Star 1. 
We have a question from (Mari Fong). Your line is open. 
(Mari Fong): Hi Ozzy. This is (Mari Fong)… 
Ozzy Osbourne: Hi. 
(Mari Fong): …from. Hello, I’m writing for Campus Vehicle which goes out to all the college students out in Los Angeles. 
And I wanted to ask you about your book, which I really enjoyed reading. Throughout the story you’ve made some mistakes in your life, as we all do. I was wondering, what mistake were you especially grateful for, because it forced you to change your behavior for the better and what was the change? 
Ozzy Osbourne: Not mean, really I’m – I was – I mean, the first think I stopped doing was smoking cigarettes. Now I’ve move – say I started smoking cigarettes when I was a very young kid of 11, I mean. 

And I – I mean, I have an addictive personality. I’m someone with obsessive compulsive disorder. I’m pure the crazy thing. 
And when I discovered alcohol and drugs, they lifted me up so I mean, it made me feel better, but as time went on, it – I started to get real on it. If anything was a miracle, the first thing I stopped was cigarettes. That was a miracle. Then all the other stopped. 

I don’t know. It was just so – it was – I feel a better person for it at the end of the day. 
(Mari Fong): Right. Definitely. Thank you very much Ozzy. I appreciate it. 
Ozzy Osbourne: You’re welcome. 
Coordinator: Our next question is from (Hayley Bykens). Your line is open. 
(Hayley Bykens): Hi Ozzy. I saw that the Ozzfest this year is offering an unholy matrimony packet. How much will you be a part of that event and will you take place in any of the ceremonies? 
Ozzy Osbourne: I can’t understand what you are saying. You’re breaking up badly. 
(Hayley Bykens): So the unholy matrimony packages this year… 
Ozzy Osbourne: I can’t work it out what you’re saying. It sounds like you’re talking with bubbles in your mouth. 
(Hayley Bykens): Is this a little better for you? 
Ozzy Osbourne: No. 
(Hayley Bykens): Can you hear me now? 
Ozzy Osbourne: I can hear you. You can try again if you want. 
(Hayley Bykens): Okay, so the unholy matrimony package this year. How much will you be involved… 
Ozzy Osbourne: I’m sorry. I can’t make out what you’re saying sweetheart. I can’t make it out. 
Coordinator: This is the operator. Please stand by one moment and see if we can’t boost the line. 
(Hayley Bykens): Thank you. 
Coordinator: (Haley) go ahead and speak. 
(Hayley Bykens): Okay. Can you hear me now Ozzy? 
Ozzy Osbourne: It’s worse. 
Coordinator: Worse. Okay. Try now. 
(Hayley Bykens): So the unholy matrimony… 
Ozzy Osbourne: I can’t make out what you’re saying babe. I can’t make out what you’re saying. 
Angela Villanueva: Ozzy can you hear me? 
Ozzy Osbourne: Yes. 
Angela Villanueva: She’s asking you about the unholy matrimony wedding packages and how involved you’re going to be with that. 
(Hayley Bykens): Thank you Angela. 
Ozzy Osbourne: I don’t know how involved I’m going to be in that. I don’t expect much, but you never know. 
Only that’s kind of interesting, you know, point – I mean, I don’t expect people to come to Ozzfest get divorced or married. 
Coordinator: Thank you. Our next question is from (Tyler Davidson). Your line is open. 
(Tyler Davidson): Hi. I just wanted to kind to see, are there any, I mean, out of the, you know, these last, you know, several decades of material, are there any songs that you kind of particularly enjoy playing live more than others? 
Ozzy Osbourne: No, I mean, you know, I’ve got such a buddy work. She’s a wonder. I’ve got like a set list, but I also, I’m trying to keep songs in it. But I don’t do the same. I mean, I don’t all of it the same. Some of the standards like Crazy Train and Paranoid and… 

I’ll tell it to you, what are the songs in like (unintelligible) and a few other things, two different Sabbath songs we’ve all done from time to time. 
(Tyler Davidson): Cool. Thank you. 
Coordinator: And we have a question from (Mari Fong). Your line is open. 
(Mari Fong): Hi Ozzy. Hey, Ozzfest has a reputation for breaking new metal rock bands. And I was wondering for this year, which new bands are you excited about and what makes them different in your eyes? 
Ozzy Osbourne: To be honest with you, the only bands I know is what’s on the main stage.  

I don’t know – we’ll have to see what happens. I don’t know – I don’t have anything to say on the new bands right now. 
(Mari Fong): All right. Thank you Ozzy. 
(Ozzy): You’re welcome. 
Coordinator: At this time, I show no more questions. 
Star 1 if you’d like to ask a question. 
We have (Mari Fong) again for a question. 
(Mari Fong): Hi Ozzy. 
(Ozzy): Hi. 
(Mari Fong): I remember the quote that was on the back of the book that you wrote. Your dad said something, you knew he was going to be doing something very special or he’s going to land in jail. 
I was wondering looking back, can you think of the moment or an event that put you towards the path of music versus the path of being a juvenile delinquent? 
Ozzy Osbourne: When I had my transistor radio by the side of my head walking down the street and I had “She Loves You” for the first song. That’s a lot – back then that was – such an amazing experience for me. 

From then on, I wanted to be a beach. I mean, people say to me, how can you say Black Sabbath, is you know, the biggest, it’s not. It’s just the whole field of being in the band turned me onto it, you know. 
Coordinator: Thank you. Our next question is from (Wes Woods). Your line is open (Wes). 
(Wes Woods): Yeah, hello Ozzy. Can you hear me? 
Ozzy Osbourne: Yeah. 
(Wes Woods): Okay. Yeah, (Randy Rhoads) is actually buried in San Bernardino and obviously playing in Devore is close to that area. Is it ever kind of more spiritual playing out there live or do you ever feel any of that when you’re performing or not so much? 
Ozzy Osbourne: No. And that’s what – I’ve always – I’ve never been to his grave site since the day – since his funeral. But I keep meaning to go into his – to check in, to say hi, you know. Unfortunately, I haven’t made the – been able to make the trip yet. 

But I will do it one day. 

But you know, people from many have been slogans on his tomb and all this, you know. Let him sleep man. 
Coordinator: Our next question is from (Tyler Davidson). Your line is open. 
(Tyler Davidson): Thank you. Now you mentioned, you know, obviously having a bit of tough time, you know, picking songs from your, you know, huge body of work. How do you usually kind of go about it? Do you usually pick out your set list or how does that work? 
Ozzy Osbourne: Well, I try and differ it. But, you know, I mean, I – they always want me to do Iron Man, Paranoid, Warping from the Sabbath things and I – it’s okay. But, then this year I thought why not throw a few different ones in there and again, you know, just from our own head. 
But then, people want – if it’s going well, I want to do all the others as well, you know. So, it’s a difficult choice, because – there’s lots of standards. 

I mean, I don’t – I mean, I do Paranoid all the time, you know, but that’s what people want, you know. I mean, but you know, this year I’ll have – someone – I’ll do some off the new album a couple of them. 
But, it is – I’ll also return a few of the songs that I haven’t play for a long, long time, like Killer and Joints, it’s a really – it’s a private love I mean. 
(Tyler Davidson): Awesome. 
Ozzy Osbourne: Thank you. 
Coordinator: We have a question from (Mari Fong). Your line is open. 
(Mari Fong): Hi Ozzy. Hello. I’ve been listening to your Scream CD and I believe that each CD from an artist usually reflects the chapter in their life. 
So I was wondering how the lyrics of the sound sort of reflects this chapter in your life? 
Ozzy Osbourne: Well, when I make an album, I don’t really have a plan of what in things that turn out, to be like that. 
A lot of subject matter. I mean, the opening take of each day is very interesting and if we’ve got two songs with the planned words. You know, that kind of abstract you, you know. 

And that’s turned out really. 

Hello. 
(Mari Fong): Yes. 
Ozzy Osbourne: And that’s turned out really an interesting – but on this album, I kind of – I’ve got some of the reasons wasn’t a plan. I could hear my Sabbath roots coming out from time to time, you know. 
It’s really interesting. I didn’t have anything – “Oh yeah, I’m going to make it more like a Sabbath album”, ’cause it happened that way you know. 
Coordinator: Thank you. And our next question is from (Vanessa Franko). Your line is open. 
(Vanessa Franko): You know, Ozzy, you mentioned that people, or you’re always, want you to play Iron Man and Paranoid. And you know, you look back across your huge body of work. What do you think it is about your music, whether it’s your solo music or with Sabbath that has kept it so timeless for four decades now? 
Ozzy Osbourne: You know, I often ask myself the same question. I’m not complaining about it one bit. It’s lovely. But you know, as a singer, I – on this tour, I really want for my own good – my own vanity to do something as well as that, which I haven’t from say through, so I’m doing – I mean, it’s just standards. 

So I don’t know the answer to what you’re – to the question, because you know, I mean, it’s has been a long time. Forty two years is a long, long time, but you know, that’s what here to do, other than to make people have fun, you know. 
You know, I mean, I don’t really think about it from day to day. When I was playing in a solo groups, I thought I was going to do any solo stuff, but then the kids were going, “You know, what about the Sab you know?” 

Well, I don’t know. But they asked for it. 
(Mari Fong): Thank you. 
Ozzy Osbourne: You’re welcome. 
Coordinator: And we have another question from (Mari Fong). Your line is open. 
(Mari Fong): Hi Ozzy. 
Ozzy Osbourne: Hi (Mari Fong). 
(Mari Fong): You know, you’ve accomplished so much in the music industry. I was wondering what is the next creative endeavor you’d like to try, whether it’s news television or something you haven’t tried yet? 
Ozzy Osbourne: I’ve never had, believe it or not, a number one record in the United States ever, even with Black Sabbath, never had a number one. 

That’s about the only thing I’ve to achieve, but I just want to continue – I know this think would like to do, while you’re on the subject. I’d like to get a fictitious band name and do something completely different than heavy music, you know. 
Something a different way, because being Ozzy Osbourne and being – having the track record I’ve had, it’s very difficult, but if I want to try something that look – something like a blues album or something different, it’s very difficult to do that thing. 

You know, what the hell is he doing now, you know. So you know, it’s – I want to try and keep myself interested in music in general. I don’t just listen to – in actual fact when I’m at home, I very rarely listen to heavy music. 
You know, I listen to old classics, you know. 
(Mari Fong): That sounds like a good idea. You should go for it. 
Ozzy Osbourne: Yeah, thank you. 
Coordinator: I show no more questions at this time. Again, Star 1 if you’d like to ask a question. 
Angela Villanueva: (Katherine) how are we doing for time? 
Coordinator: We have about nine minutes to the top of the hour. 
Angela Villanueva: Okay. 
Do we have any other questions? 
Coordinator: Yes, (Mari Fong) your line is open. 
(Mari Fong): Thank you. You know, Ozzy, you’ve been in rock for almost four decades. What do you consider your key to longevity in the business besides putting out great music? 
Ozzy Osbourne: I’ve got a great wife. I’ve had some great bands. I don’t know. It’s, I don’t know. I don’t what the longevity is. I’m glad I have. But, I mean, it’s funny you should stress on longevity. 

I mean, I was talking to a musician friend of mine recently and I – now the business has changed so much. It’s more like a business now than ever. We’ve, you know, this talent shows they’re having on TV and now you’re – kids are signing record companies. 
I think it’s so much cooler. I mean, I’m publishing part of the concession rights and you know. 

It’s just really – it’s a different world but it’s all – I wonder who’s going to have the longevity in the future. 

So I suppose I could be one of the last of the dying breed I suppose. 

I’ve had a lot of fun over the years, a lot of fun with it. 
(Mari Fong): Oh good. That’s important. Thank you. 
Coordinator: (Tyler Davidson) your line is open. 
(Tyler Davidson): Thank you. Now, as far as, Scream goes, what would you say are some of the overarching lyrical themes of the album? 
Ozzy Osbourne: Well, Digging Me Down is very interesting in the respect it’s – what it’s about, you know, they say that the Son of God is going to walk the earth and save everybody again or whether one day. 
And my question, I’ll have to do a question, how bad does it got to get so this guy will come back to save everybody or anything – if and when he does come back, who will believe he’s him, you know? And plus that the fact, there’s a lot of other religions that don’t believe in Jesus Christ. 

It’s a whole mismatched, you know, and what will that idea of mine. Was, I was watching a thing on the TV about one of the guys on the Apollo thing that looked to years. And he’s one of these – how vulnerable it all looks from space. 
And now, I’ve got to applaud, – you know, there’s one world and all these different drugs and all these different religions, saying they’ve got the best God. So it’s like the God thing really gets to be a confusing formula thing, you know. I mean, when everybody’s got the best God, you know. 
(Tyler Davidson): Definitely. Thank you. 
Ozzy Osbourne: Thank you – you’re welcome. 
Coordinator: I show no further questions. 
Stand by. (Wes Woods) your line is open. 
(Wes Woods): Can you hear me Ozzy? 
Ozzy Osbourne: Perfectly. 
(Wes Woods): Okay. In the 1980’s do you remember doing a song with Was not Was? 
Ozzy Osbourne: Yes. 
(Wes Woods): Yes, Madonna was actually one of the back up singers then. 
Ozzy Osbourne: Well, what happened… 
(Wes Woods): Yeah, well – and my question is, if she wanted to do a duet with you today, is that something you would be open to? 
Ozzy Osbourne: I don’t do so. I mean. 
(Wes Woods): Why is that? 
Ozzy Osbourne: I don’t know. Number one, I don’t think she’d ever consider it. I mean, what happened with his other thing, on Shake Your Head, was it always in New York in the early part of the ’80’s and I was in this hotel and I’d been out -with a few friends on and I got back late, and (Don Marge) was saying, we would be recording – you know, the early stage Was Not Was, and we had the same lawyer and he’s singing at the term. 
Now, I said to my – the lawyer, well – I’ll stand in for him and he would enjoy the show. So we got the guys together and when I went to the studio, I had no idea, it was Madonna. I had no idea. I just did what they asked me to do then. 

So many, many years past and I was going to a hotel in Los Angeles, and he called me up and he said, “Do you remember when you Was is Was”? And I said, “Yeah”. And he goes, “You’ll never guess who the chick singer was?” 

And I said, “I haven’t got a clue”. And he says, “Madonna”. And I said, “Wow. What a joke”. And he goes, “Are you going to release it. I’ve got to ask her permission”. 
And obviously she declined and somebody else did it. Kim Bassinger did it – replaced Madonna. 

But you know, I mean, I never say never, but I really freakin, if I was to tell you I’ve hosted (unintelligible), would you probably be surprised? And that’s Lady Gaga. I’d love to do a song with her. 
(Wes Woods): Wow, Okay. Thank you. 
Coordinator: (Anne Erickson) your line is open. 
(Anne Erickson): Hey Ozzy. On your new guitar player, Gus G, what was the audition process like finding him and trying him out? 
Ozzy Osbourne: Well, you know, I’ve tried to get a good staff. My staff tracked him down for me. I mean, I held auditions. They had made what we call the short list. They went through all the resumes and what have, you’ve got do. 
And then, I went and saw a bunch of guys play, and I made an even shorter list and then Gus was one of them and he stood out the best for me. I mean, you could great play, and he’s really eager to learn you know. 
(Anne Erickson): Great. Well thank you. 
Ozzy Osbourne: You’re welcome. 
Coordinator: Your next question is from (Mari Fong). 
(Mari Fong): Hey Ozzy. 
Ozzy Osbourne: Hello. 
(Mari Fong): I heard you really enjoyed listening to you IPOD and I was wondering… 
Ozzy Osbourne: Yes. 
(Mari Fong): ….what are the most recent artists or music that you’ve downloaded? 
Ozzy Osbourne: The Rolling Stones, I mean, the old cuts of the Rolling Stones, I mean, I’m not really a big Stones fan, but this – in the early Stones, they had some really big hits in England. 
And you see, I mean, I don’t really – I’m learning to operate all this ****, you know. It’s like, I mean, I’m not really technically minded. I end up on throwing the ****ing thing at the wall, you know. 

But I’m getting there. I mean, I’m – what I’m doing, all the things that I’ve ever had even when I was a younger guy, like records and songs that I would also have got, when I’ve been too ****ed up to realize anything. 
I’m now going through the – what I’d really like to pass time doing, I put my IPOD and listen to like a McCartney album or a Dolly or whatever. 

I mean, I know I just doodle on my Art Pad. You know, I – I don’t have an artistic brain. But this doodling is really relaxing for me I find. 
(Mari Fong): Is this a…or…okay. Thank you. 
Ozzy Osbourne: You’re welcome. 
Coordinator: We have no further questions. And it looks like we’re at the top of the hour Angela. 
Angela Villanueva: Great. Okay. So we’re all good. Thank you Ozzy. 
Ozzy Osbourne: Thank you. 
 
END

Stagecoach dates are April 30 and May 1, 2011

Here is the news release:

“STAGECOACH 2011 DATES:  Goldenvoice has confirmed Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1, 2011 as the dates for next year’s STAGECOACH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL.  The fifth annual critically acclaimed event–which features an impressive array of artists from the genres of mainstream country, bluegrass, folk, roots rock and alt-country–will again take place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA.  Details on the 2011 STAGECOACH line-up and information on ticket sales will be announced later this year, but concert-goers can again expect a variety of activities, including a leading BBQ competition with participants offering tastes from across the country and a camping area which has grown into one of the largest annual gatherings of RV and tent camping in Southern California.  For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.Stagecoachfestival.com.”

MySpace Music Unveils ‘Romeo’ Video App

LOS ANGELES (AP) –  MySpace is further defining itself as a place to find music rather than a catchall social networking site as it launched on Thursday a music video player that plays random videos to match users’ mood.

The MySpace Music Romeo application lets users select from 15 genres such as pop or hip hop and 13 moods including “chill,” ”naughty” and “studying.” Videos play automatically, interspersed with artist images and an advertisement every 15 minutes or so.

Users can “love” videos (thus, the name Romeo), and then get more videos like the ones they choose. But they won’t be able to search for specific songs.
Continue reading “MySpace Music Unveils ‘Romeo’ Video App” »

Cypress Hill Smokeout to feature Manu Chou, Incubus, MGMT, Nas & Damian Marley, Atmosphere and more

Here’s the news release: 

CYPRESS HILL & GUERILLA UNION in association with AMERICANS FOR SAFE ACCESS present
CYPRESS HILL SMOKEOUT 2010
MUSIC FESTIVAL & MEDICAL MARIJUANA EXPO

 

OCTOBER 16, 2010
NOS EVENTS CENTER in SAN BERNARDINO, CA

EXCLUSIVE PRE-SALE for GU SUBSCRIBERS
THURSDAY, 8/12 @ 10AM PST
PASSWORD: LEGALIZE
www.ticketfly.com

ON-SALE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC
SATURDAY, 8/14 @ 10AM PST

The all day mind-opening Cypress Hill Smokeout is back! This year’s lineup is the best yet, featuring INCUBUS, MANU CHAU, DEADMAU5 “UNHOOKED”, MGMT, SLIGHTLY STOOPID, NAS & DAMIAN “JR GONG” MARLEY, ATMOSPHERE, LIVING COLOUR,LIVING LEGENDS, IRATION and AGAINST THE GIRL. More additions will be announced this week, so stay posted here.

The ultimate grounds for cannabis activists, supporters, and spectators will be at the Cypress Hill Smokeout Medical Marijuana Expo. Expect tons of attractions, including expert panel discussions, interactive vendor village, 4:20 movie night, legal workshops, artist meet-n-greets, massive munchies garden, and more.

We’re giving our GU subscribers first dibs on pre-sale tickets, up for grabs this Thursday at 10AM until Friday at 12AM. Get your tickets and light up with us at the 2010 Cypress Hill Smokeout!

For more info, visit
www.smokeoutfestival.com

STAY CONNECTED
www.myspace.com/cypresshillsmokeout
www.facebook.com/cypresshillsmokeoutfestival
www.twitter.com/smokeout_fest

2010 Smokeout LLC. All rights reserved.

$10 Tuesday for tickets on shows including Ozzfest, Jonas Brothers, Yonder Mountain String Band, Cedric The Entertainer and more

Here is the news release about the $10 Tuesday going on now … 


$10 TUESDAY: ALL-IN TICKETS JUST $10

AVAILABLE FOR OVER FIFTEEN AREA SHOWS

 

INCLUDING:

OZZFEST, JONAS BROTHERS, AND MORE!

 

TOMORROW – TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2010

From 12 AM to 11:59 PM

 

For Immediate Release (Monday – August 9, 2010)

(Los Angeles, CA)  Live Nation/So-Cal announces over fifteen shows for this week’s “$10 Tuesday” special offer, including Ozzfest, Jonas Brothers and many more.  Once again, area music fans will have the opportunity to purchase All-In tickets, without additional surcharges or fees, to select shows for just $10 each.     

 

Participating shows include: 

ARTIST

VENUE

DATE

Meat Loaf

Gibson Amphitheatre

8/12

Yonder Mountain String Band

HoB – Anaheim

8/12

Cedric The Entertainer

Gibson Amphitheatre

8/13

Lights (A Tribute to Journey)

HoB – Anaheim

8/13

Ozzfest 2010

    Featuring: Ozzy Osbourne – Motley Crue

    Rob Halford – Black Label Society & More!

San Manuel Amphitheater

8/14

Hepcat

HoB – Anaheim

8/14

Yonder Mountain String Band

HoB – Sunset Strip

8/20

Los Caminantes

Gibson Amphitheatre

8/21

Panteon Rococo

HoB – Sunset Strip

8/21

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Gibson Amphitheatre

8/26

Joan Sebastian

Gibson Amphitheatre

8/28

Moenia

HoB – Sunset Strip

8/28

Led Zepagain (A Tribute to Led Zeppelin)

HoB – Anaheim

9/3

Under A Blood Red Sky (A Tribute to U2)

HoB – Anaheim

9/5

Gary Allan

Gibson Amphitheatre

9/9

Heart

Gibson Amphitheatre

9/18

Jonas Brothers

Verizon Wireless Amph

9/19

All dates, acts & tickets prices are subject to change


$10 Tuesday” tickets will be available while supplies last tomorrow – Tuesday, August 10th — from 12:01 AM to 11:59 PM.  Tickets will be available at www.livenation.com, at select Live Nation and Ticketmaster retail outlets, plus via Charge-By-Phone (800-745-3000).    

Kottonmouth Kings headline Saturday San Bernardino festival

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Kottonmouth Kings top the bill in S.B.

The Kottonmouth Kings, who have sold more than two million albums and were headliners at the May Spring Gathering concert, featuring Redman & Method Man, will headline the second annual SRH Fest on Saturday. 

The Placentia group’s latest work, its 11th album, “Long Live the Kings,” was released in April.

Besides the Kings, The Dirty Heads, Unwritten Law, (hed) p.e., Authority Zero, Big B, Kutt Calhoun, Slain, Crazy Town and Glasses Malone are scheduled to appear.

The event will be at the National Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino.

The Kottonmouth Kings consist of D-Loc, Daddy X, Johnny Richter, Pakelika, DJ Bobby B, Lou Dog and newest member Dirtball.

Their sound uses elements of hip-hop, acoustic and aggressive punk-rock. In a recent interview, Brad Xavier, better known as Daddy X, said he was looking forward to the show because the location works well with the group’s fan base.

“We have such a great following in the I.E.,” Daddy X said.

“We get so much support. Los Angeles seems a little far. Our core audience is in the beach towns, the suburbs and the IE. It just seems to be the right spot for it.”

Daddy X said the group’s longevity can be attributed to a consistent work ethic.

“Everyone has gotten better in their craft in different ways, in a very organic and natural way,” he said.

“We stay within our ability range. What we do is what we do. Maybe we’re not the most seasoned and skilled vocalists but we work with what we got and we do our best.”

For more information on the group, head towww.myspace.com/kottonmouthkings.


SRH FEST

With: Kottonmouth Kings, The Dirty Heads, Unwritten Law, (hed) p.e., Authority Zero, Big B and others

Where: National Orange Show Events Center, 689 S. E St., San Bernardino

When: 4:30 p.m. Saturday

Cost: $30

Information: www.ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000;www.subnoizestore.com

John Legend acoustic performance Oct. 1

Grammy award winning R & B artist John Legend will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 1 at Bridges Auditorium.
Legend, real name John Stephens, is known for hit songs like 2004’s “Ordinary People,” and 2008’s “Green Light” with Andre 3000 of OutKast. 
An opening act could be added later, said Jim Nauls assitant dean of students/director of student activities for Claremont McKenna College.
Tickets for the general public, which go on sale Sept. 9, will be $45.
Tickets for students with valid I.D., which go on sale Sept. 2, will be $20.
Bridges Auditorium is at 450 N. College Way in Claremont.
For more information, call 909-621-8032.