Classic Rock Magazine - In a recent interview with Classic Rock magazine, metal legend Ozzy Osbourne has revealed that he has parted ways with long-time guitarist Zakk Wylde.

Ozzy Osbourne - “Well, I’m getting a new guitar player as we speak,” said Ozzy, “and everyone has been saying to me for a long time, ‘Get Johnny 5!’ And I tried him at one time and I didn’t really give him a chance. We’ll see, I don’t know. I haven’t fallen out with Zakk, but Zakk’s got his own band, and I felt like my stuff was beginning to sound like BLACK LABEL SOCIETY. I just felt like I wanted a change, y’know?

Ozzy Osbourne - “I’ve got a guy from Greece coming in – not the musical, the country of Greece – but I’m not going to say too much about it, cos I don’t know myself at this point. I’ve got a new album, I’m working on it as we speak. I’ve got a studio at my house and I’ve got a guy called Kevin Churko, the guy that did the last album – he’s great to work with.

Ozzy Osbourne - "And it’s great to have your own studio. On one hand it’s great and on the other it’s not, cos when you’re at the studio you can go, ‘Sorry darling, I can’t get home for dinner, I’m stuck at the studio…’ But she can f***ing come down stairs now! But I’m just enjoying my life now…"

Classic Rock Magazine - So you’re taking it easy recording this album?

Ozzy Osbourne - “Oh yeah. Zakk came down and did a bunch of stuff and I don’t know if I want to use it but I’ve got it there if I do. And this Kevin Churko is a bit of an all-rounder so I’m getting back to basics in some respects. One thing about a guy who can’t do all the finger-tapping stuff is that he plays better on the riffs cos it’s not all [hums riff for 'Iron Man' followed by over-the-top widdling].”

Classic Rock Magazine - Does HEAVEN & HELL having a new album out make you more competitive?

Ozzy Osbourne - “No. Not in the slightest. I really wish them well. I mean I’ve been out of that band three times longer than I was ever in them. But people say, ‘What do you think about Dio?’ He’s great singer. I’ve grown up since the days when I used to get pissed and slag him off. For whatever it’s worth, good luck to them. I don’t want to make enemies – I made enough when I was drinking, I try to make friends with people these days!”

(Official Article At - http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=46032)