Ozzy's Hidden Legacy: Unheard Songs Revealed Before His Death
Producer Andrew Watt has revealed the existence of unreleased Ozzy Osbourne music, recorded before the metal legend's final Back to the Beginning show. Watt also shed light on Ozzy's earnest attempt to record a final Black Sabbath album with original drummer Bill Ward, a project that ultimately did not come to fruition. The film documenting Osbourne's last gig is set for release in October.
Producer Andrew Watt, known for helming Ozzy Osbourne's final two studio albums, 2020's "Ordinary Man" and 2022's "Patient Number 9," has revealed the existence of previously unheard music recorded with the late metal legend. Watt shared that he and Osbourne listened to these unreleased tracks the night before Ozzy's farewell performance at the epic Back to the Beginning blowout in Birmingham, England, last July. Watt described the experience as emotionally challenging, admitting the songs are "hard for me to listen to" and that he hasn't revisited them since. While a plan for these tracks exists, Watt is not yet at liberty to disclose details.
Watt recounted a poignant encounter with Osbourne the night before the Birmingham concert. Despite initial hesitation due to Ozzy's upcoming big day, Watt eventually joined him in his hotel room, bringing a curry. During this "beautiful listening session," they made notes on the unreleased material. This, along with the concert the following day, marked Watt's last opportunities to see Osbourne, who passed away 17 days after the show at age 76. Watt expressed his profound loss, stating, "I miss him every day."
Beyond the unreleased solo material, Watt also addressed recent comments from Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, who suggested Watt was "a bit too excited" about a planned final Sabbath album. Watt believes Iommi's remarks were taken out of context, while acknowledging his own passionate nature as an "excited musician" and person. Following their work on Ozzy's solo albums, Osbourne had expressed a strong desire to record one last Black Sabbath album, notably with original drummer Bill Ward, who had not participated in the band's 2013 reunion album, "13."
Ozzy tasked Watt with reaching out to Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and Ward to propose the project. Both Iommi and Butler agreed, conditional on Ward's involvement, making Bill Ward's participation the linchpin. Watt described his conversation with Ward as "one of the strangest and funniest and coolest" experiences, noting Ward's unique way of speaking. Ultimately, Ward was "unable to do the album for personal reasons," leading to the project's unfortunate collapse. Despite the setback, Watt cherished the moment of being on an email thread with the original members of Black Sabbath, even if the album didn't materialize.
Fans will have another opportunity to experience Ozzy Osbourne's final performance with the release of the film "Ozzy & Black Sabbath: Back to the Beginning," which is scheduled to hit theaters on October 28.