In the mid-1980s, Ozzy Osbourne and his wife/manager Sharon Osbourne were on the hunt for a guitarist to replace Jake E. Lee, who had been a key member of Ozzy’s band from 1983 to 1987. Among the candidates considered was neo-classical shred guitarist Chris Impellitteri, founder of the band Impellitteri.
In a recent interview with Guitar World, Impellitteri shared the story behind his audition for Ozzy’s band and explained why he ultimately declined the opportunity, even though it could have been a career-changing move.
The Audition Call
Impellitteri recalled receiving an unexpected message from Sharon Osbourne sometime in 1987, just before Zakk Wylde was chosen as Lee’s replacement. Reflecting on the moment, he said:
“I came home one night, and my roommate told me I had a message. It said, ‘This is Sharon Osbourne. Me and Ozzy have been checking you out, and we really love your guitar playing. We want you to come down and audition.’”
Despite his excitement, Impellitteri admitted that he already had contractual obligations that made joining Ozzy’s band complicated.
Why He Passed on the Opportunity
Although flattered by the invitation and having spoken with Sharon and Ozzy several times, Impellitteri was already signed to Relativity Records. His attorney, Peter Paterno, expressed frustration, asking why he hadn’t pursued the gig. Still, Impellitteri honored his contract and focused on his own project.
He noted that while he was never officially offered the position, Ozzy and Sharon showed clear interest. After playing a few songs with them during the audition, Impellitteri chose to stick with his existing commitments.
What Could Have Been
Looking back, Impellitteri speculated about the creative direction he might have taken Ozzy’s music if he had joined:
“If I had joined, I wouldn’t have wanted to follow the direction Ozzy went with No Rest for the Wicked (1988). Those albums with Zakk Wylde are amazing, but I probably would’ve pushed for something more like Blizzard of Ozz or Diary of a Madman.”
He jokingly imagined himself as a “brat kid” insisting on a different musical path, but acknowledged that the changes Ozzy embraced during that era contributed to his continued success.
Impellitteri’s Career Today
Chris Impellitteri went on to release War Machine earlier this year, featuring Slayer drummer Paul Bostaph. Meanwhile, Ozzy continues to make headlines, recently sharing a unique idea for a final Black Sabbath reunion show.
In hindsight, Impellitteri’s decision allowed both him and Ozzy to thrive in their respective careers, proving that everything worked out as it was meant to.
