Fanzmosis Ozzy FanclubAtividades de Blog

Introduction~

You can assume that there was not a fan that did not take great efforts to see their idol when he came back to their country after 13 years. And because one fan "believed" this is what happened:

First I would like to introduce myself to the (TBA) readers.

My name is Almir Figueiredo, I am a manager, I am 48 years old and I live in Sao Vicente's city (SP). I've been a fan of Ozzy since 1975.

In March of 2008 it was confirmed that the superstar Ozzy would be bringing his Black Rain tour to Brazil and I, the founder of the Brazilian Fan-club Fanzmosis, was invited to represent, and do the review for (TBA) magazine.  This invitation generated mixed emotions: shock and total ecstasy; Fanzmosis was created in 1995 because of this magazine. The first thing that came to mind was the film "Almost Famous", except it was me covering an icon of metal, Ozzy Osbourne. My dream was coming true.

Background~

Fanzmosis began negotiations in Brazil with the producers of the festival, SonyBmg-Rio and Ozzy's office, to meet with Ozzy.  The result could not have been better and we got an exclusive interview and an invitation for a memorable encounter with Ozzy in Rio de Janeiro.

The morning of April 1, I heard from SonyBmg that Ozzy had agreed to speak to the press, catching everyone off guard, especially the media.

After finishing a great show in Chile April 2, Ozzy traveled by jet to Santiago and then to Rio de Janeiro where he went directly to the hotel.

After two hours, dressed all in black, with the trademark round dark glasses, Ozzy, age 59 arrived in the room reserved for a meeting with reporters and began to answer questions one minute later.

A reporter asked about music from Black Rain like "I Don't Wanna Stop" and "Not Going Away"; is it reference to retirement plans announced several times in the 90's. "I don't intend to die so early, my retirement will come when I am inside a coffin" Ozzy replied.  "You, obviously were never married" he joked, continuing "I love what I do, it's not as if I really have had a job that puts me under obligation to wake up at 6:00 in the morning and drive someplace."

Ozzy confirmed that Black Rain was recorded in 2007 without any influence of alcohol or drugs.  "It was the first album I've recorded sober; it was a very interesting process and I'm pleased with the result."

"I thought it would be a perfect successor for No More Tears of 1991 – I had to make a decision to record it or not. The drugs and alcohol were killing me and my friend Kevin Shirley, musical producer told me to not be afraid to ask for help, which motivated me a lot."

On singer Amy Winehouse, famous for her talent and for her drug problems, he said: "She is my daughter Kelly's friend and it is very sad that someone so young, new and promising is being destroyed in that way. I hope she is getting help to liberate herself from that problem."

Ozzy confirmed that during the recording of the reality show The Osbournes, he was under the influence of strong medications but denied that he was paying the doctor prescribing them. He also promised that he never kicked one of his dogs. "I have 18 dogs, and I love them all. I can kick my wife, but not one of my dogs!" 

On his health he said "I eat light, drink lots of water, work out hard on the bicycle and masturbate before singing!"

After the conference I was introduced to Tim Brockman, the Tour Manager to discuss the details of my meeting with Ozzy at Rio Arena. With a serious face he said "I didn't know about this"; I immediately pulled out the letter from John Fenton (my friend in Ozzy's office) and showed it to him. Tim then smiled and said "Oh yes, it's you, you will be meeting with Ozzy at 7:30 before his show and can take 3 guests with you."

After that "fight" was over we talked a bit while we were still in the hotel and Tim introduced "A.D." (personal safety for Ozzy), I gave them the personalized T Shirts of Fanzmosis for the event and we said our goodbyes.

Later on that night I went to the restaurant of the Sheraton to have a beer and while there Tim appeared and invited me to share the table with him and Tony Dennis. Tony asked me about the Fanzmosis had accomplished in Brazil and I showed him some articles in magazines, photos and the gifts that were being taken to Ozzy.  They were pleased and once more Tim said "We won't take anything to Ozzy, you can give it to him personally tomorrow". Tony asked if I had brought a shirt for Sharon as well to which I replied "Yes, for Sharon, for you and everyone in the band".  He was happy to receive the shirt and it was apparent the regard he feels for Ozzy and Sharon.

The Encounter with Ozzy (Fanzmosis: Almir, Thiago, Juliano & Juliana)~

The long awaited moment had arrived and adrenaline was rushing as we met up with Monica and Roberta from SongBmg-Rio and together at Rio Arena we headed for backstage to meet Ozzy Osbourne.

A dream come true...we were at the side of the God of Rock and I hugged the madman for a photo Monica told him "Almir is the founder of Fanzmosis, your Brazilian fan club.  Ozzy is happy when she tells him we have brought him gifts and I open the Welcome flag I had with me and asks to hold the flag with me for photos. Everyone enjoyed the moment, I asked Tim to give the shirts to everyone in the band, we took more pictures with the team and then went to watch the end of Black Label Society's show.

During the break after Korn the crowd began to chant " Olê olê olê olê olê, Ozzy, Ozzy "the sound echoing throughout the entire arena as everyone was euphoric from waiting 13 years to  see Ozzy. I stood with the photographers awaiting the "ok" to move forward to the front of the stage to photograph the first songs of one of the largest idols/icons in the history of metal.

The show began with a screen showing parodies of films such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Lost starring Ozzy and at the end of the presentation of the videos we heard the first chords of the guitar of Zakk Wylde and soon after he entered the scene...Ozzy, the God of Metal.

Ozzy revived the classics of his career in Black Sabbath singing Bark at the Moon, Paranoid, Crazy Train and Iron Man. One of the best moments was during  Mr. Crowley with a magnificent musical solo by Zak. The screen was ablaze with images of Mike, Adam, Blasko and Zakk. The happiness of Ozzy was obvious on his face and he ran in all directions on the stage throwing pails of water on the audience.

Zakk also had his unforgettable moments: an endless solo of 8 minutes during a pause in the middle of Paranoid and when he handed his instrument to the fans but saw it being destroyed and angrily jumped to recover it. When the group understood they returned it to him broken.

It was a memorable show ending with the certainty for us that we would have another chance to see Ozzy again in Sao Paulo April 5^th.

Set List of the show~ 

I Don't Wanna Stop

Bark at the Moon

Suicide Solution

Mr. Crowley

I'm Not Going Away

War Pigs

Road to Nowhere

Crazy Train

Iron Man

I Don't Know

No More Tears

Here For You

I Don't Want to Change the World

Mama, I'm Coming Home

Paranoid

Actual review that will be released in TBA magazine during the month of July.
Translation and free adaptation for English by Almir and Gwenna

FANZMOSIS - On the South American tour are you only going to play songs from Black Rain or will you include some of your career classics as well?  Can we expect that amazing intro-tape in the opening of the concert, and the famous pails of water?

OZZY - I'll be performing 2-3 songs from "Black Rain" and a cross-section of songs spanning my entire career from early Sabbath to the new album.   Yes, you can expect an all-new intro film to open the show.

FANZMOSIS-Is the Rasputin Musical still in the works and if so, how is it coming along?

OZZY - "Rasputin" has been on hold for the last 18 months while I recorded "Black Rain" and went out on tour.   I've been on the road now since May '07.

FANZMOSIS-Who have been some of your favorite bands at Ozzfest; why?

OZZY - There have been so many – Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, Pantera, Slipknot, Korn, Judas Priest…… When you look at a complete list of all of the bands that have been on Ozzfest since 1996 it's truly amazing.

FANZMOSIS-Ozzy do you appreciate your fans?

OZZY - Absolutely!   It's the one thing that keeps me motivated.  I want to make great music that my fans will love and I always want to give them the best show possible at my concerts.

FANZMOSIS-After being in front of millions of fans over the years, what do you see has changed? Which generation do you feel is the craziest/most loyal?

OZZY - I don't think much has changed.   Which generation do you feel is the craziest/most loyal?  They're all crazy!

FANZMOSIS-Many musicians are feeling the sting of revenue loss due to internet piracy, etc. Have you noticed this since the release of Black Rain (or in general)? How do you feel about this?

OZZY - Absolutely!  My U.S. record company told me that "Black Rain" was their only gold release (500,000 copies sold) in 2007.   That stunned me.   How do you feel about this?    The record industry is in a sad sad state.   

FANZMOSIS-Speaking of the internet, what is your relationship with the ever increasing cyber world? Do you use it much? Do you feel it's beneficial or detrimental to today's society?

OZZY - I think it's great, but to be honest I don't spend much time surfing the web.

FANZMOSIS-Ozzy, you, Geezer, Bill and Tony have reached the 40 year mark in regards to Black Sabbath. In the last Fanzmosis interview with Bill, he stated that to do a world tour at this time would be a great accomplishment. Do you feel this is something that could happen?

OZZY - I will never say never.   I guess we'll have to wait and see.

FANZMOSIS-Throughout your life/career you have gone through several changes, both professionally and personally. If you could go back and change anything, would you? If so, what would it be?

OZZY - I believe it's best to move forward and not dwell on the past.  

FANZMOSIS-Your duet with Kelly (Changes) was such a favorite amongst fans; have you thought about doing one with Aimee as well?

OZZY - Aimee recorded some vocals for my "Rapsutin" musical. 

FANZMOSIS-Your last visit to Brazil was when you played the Monsters of Rock in 1995. How does it feel to be coming back to the fans that have hoped and prayed for this day????  Do you have any expectations surrounding your return as well?

OZZY - I'm absolutely overwhelmed to be coming back to Brazil after so many years.

FANZMOSIS- Ozzy, when you..re on the stage, you become somebody else. Where do you find the energy, charisma and inspiration to drive the audience crazy like you do?

OZZY - I don't know.  It just comes over me when I'm in front of an audience.

Disclaimer: Fanzmosis accepts no liability for misquotes of fans questions and comments. All information contained in this document is partially or fully translated and could contain errors. All parties were aware of the intent to publish when items were submitted.