Marty Friedman discusses losing Ozzy Osbourne gig to Zakk Wylde
Renowned guitarist Marty Friedman has had a unique and distinguished career, from gaining recognition for his shred metal work with Cacophony to his significant contribution to Megadeth. Despite his success, there was one opportunity that did not come to fruition – joining Ozzy Osbourne’s band in the late 1980s.
Reflecting on the audition years later, Friedman shared how he struggled financially while working with Cacophony’s Jason Becker in San Francisco when he received a call from Sharon Osbourne. The call was an invitation to fly to L.A. for an audition with Osbourne’s band. Friedman believed he performed well during the audition but felt out of place with the band’s full-on L.A.-metal image. From wearing handcuffs to cowboy hats and necklaces, the band’s attire was far from his regular t-shirt and jeans ensemble.
In the end, the job went to Zakk Wylde, a decision Friedman respected and understood. He recognized that Wylde was the right fit for the role. Looking back, Friedman acknowledged that despite his musical prowess, he lacked the social persona that the band was seeking. Sharing his experience on a podcast in 2024, Friedman explained that his musical performance was on point, but the audition was a social mismatch. The band members exuded a different vibe with their metal image, which was a stark contrast to his guitar nerd persona.
Describing how he was fully prepared for the audition, Friedman explained that while the music was not complex for him to learn, he still put in extra effort to perfect it. However, his lack of conformity to the band’s image led to him losing out on the opportunity. Friedman recognized that his demeanor as a “good-boy” type clashed with the intense rock ‘n roll lifestyle that the band embodied. The bass player and drummer of the band epitomized the full-on Sunset Strip rock vibe, while Friedman’s appearance deviated from their aesthetic.
In conclusion, although Marty Friedman’s audition with Ozzy Osbourne’s band did not result in landing the gig, he has since embraced the experience as a learning opportunity. While he may have lost out to Zakk Wylde for the role, Friedman’s talent and unique personality have enabled him to forge a successful career that has left an indelible mark on the music industry.