Guitarists Expose How It’s Like Auditioning For Ozzy Osbourne
via Ozzy Osbourne / Youtube
The 1980s were a golden era for budding rock guitarists, and one of the most sought-after gigs was playing for Ozzy Osbourne’s solo project. This wasn’t just any band; Randy Rhoads, Brad Gillis, Jake E. Lee, and later Zakk Wylde all played lead guitar for the legendary rocker. While we know about those who made it, many don’t hear about the ones who came close but didn’t ultimately join the band. Three such guitarists share their experiences regarding what it takes and how it feels to audition for such a high-profile role.
Gary Hoey
View this post on Instagram
Gary Hoey’s journey from jazz student to auditioning for Ozzy Osbourne’s band is a tale of seizing opportunities. “I did an audition for Ozzy, which was the reason why I ended up going out to California,” Hoey stated, recounting how he got his chance after Ozzy visited Boston and called out on WBCN radio for guitar demos. Hoey took his shot and found himself in California, auditioning in front of Ozzy himself. Although Hoey was already a fan, having absorbed Sabbath’s influence, this was a whole new level. “It was like going to meet the Pope, for me”. He didn’t land the gig, but the advice he received from Ozzy prompted a move to LA, where he eventually broke into the industry with a record deal.
The audition itself threw Hoey into the world of arena rock demands: deafening amplifiers and the expectation to dazzle with a five-minute solo. Despite the immense pressure of performing in front of Osbourne and tackling the setlist, Hoey embraced the challenge. “That was a challenge, doing it in front of one of your idols,” he notes, recalling the intensity of shredding solos while Ozzy was in the room. He was even called back to jam with Randy Castillo and Phil Soussan, a session that remains an unforgettable experience for him.
Wolf Marshall
View this post on Instagram
Wolf Marshall, in contrast, walked into the audition scene with prior guitar fame. During the interim between Jake E. Lee and Zakk Wylde, Marshall got a call to audition. Describing them as ‘open,’ Marshall went in with the mindset to just enjoy the moment. “So I thought it would just be a kick to do that. And it was a lot of fun.” He breezed through the audition playing signature Ozzy tracks, even performing his version of the ‘Randy licks’. Regardless of the fun, he surmises Ozzy was searching for someone else, a fresh face possibly younger and distinct from previous guitarists.
Marshall humorously reflects on having his picture taken after playing, yet he understood why he wasn’t the right fit. His decade-long presence in guitar magazines and instructional videos likely played a role in the decision. For Marshall, the motive wasn’t really about joining the band but about the thrill of riffing on songs he adored and had taught. Although he admits he would have accepted if asked, his true desire lay in the joy of the strings and the stage, “Y’know, play ‘Suicide Solution’ and put in my solo,” Wolf recounts with a certain light-heartedness.
Dave Meniketti
View this post on Instagram
For Dave Meniketti, the lead man of Y&T, the offer to join Ozzy Osbourne’s band arrived personally from the man himself. Meniketti recalls Ozzy’s direct approach after a Y&T concert. Ozzy was seeking a lively performer to replace Brad Gillis, whom he thought lacked animation onstage. Meniketti was flattered, certainly, as Ozzy said, “I want a guy like you!” But despite the prestige of the offer, he declined, “I would much rather do my own thing in my own band than be a substitute for somebody amazing like Randy,” he reflects, underlining his drive for creative control and the fulfillment of steering his own ship in the world of rock.
Meniketti’s reason for turning down the opportunity showed his passion for artistic expression than merely stepping into someone else’s shoes, no matter how revered. He understood the immense opportunities that came with the gig, especially after the benchmark set by Randy Rhoads, yet he sought a path that allowed for his personal touch and ingenuity. The desire to remain with Y&T, which was gaining traction in Europe, ultimately outweighed the allure of joining Ozzy’s lineup.
