Ozzy Osbourne and Billy Morrison, the longtime rhythm guitarist for Billy Idol and former bassist for THE CULT, have released the latest episode of their new Internet TV show, “The Madhouse Chronicles”. In this episode, the legendary BLACK SABBATH frontman reflected on the creation of the band’s final album, “13”. Released in 2013, it was SABBATH’s first LP in 35 years to feature Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, and bassist Geezer Butler.
Discussing how “13” came about, Ozzy shared (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “I met Rick Rubin a long time ago before he did the album, and he always said, ‘If you ever get back together again, you have to let me produce the album.’ When we reformed for the [1997] tour and recorded the live album [1998’s ‘Reunion’], he walked into the studio and said, ‘I like that track, but not that one,’ and then left. Later, Sharon [Ozzy’s wife and manager] told me, ‘Rick Rubin wants to do an album with you.'”
Reflecting on the album’s production, Ozzy noted: “The only thing we all found challenging was that none of us had much input. It felt like going back to the beginning with [early SABBATH producer] Rodger Bain, where we didn’t know about double tracking and all that. With a producer, you don’t produce it yourself, and Tony [Iommi] had been producing our albums for a long time. He had to swallow his pride for this one.”
He added: “One of the tracks was just a jam session. They told us to play and warm up, and it got recorded and ended up on the album.”
Addressing the absence of original drummer Bill Ward on “13”, Ozzy said: “I can’t remember why Bill didn’t do it. To be honest, it didn’t feel like BLACK SABBATH without Bill. It’s like having Ginger Baker play with THE BEATLES—it just wouldn’t be the same.”
Ozzy also reminisced about the final show of SABBATH’s “The End” tour, which took place in February 2017 in their hometown of Birmingham, England. When asked if he was relieved it was over, he said: “Yes, but I was sad Bill wasn’t there. Tommy [Clufetos], my solo band’s drummer, did a great job, but he isn’t Bill Ward.”
