As the rock world buzzes with anticipation for Black Sabbath’s one-time reunion on July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham—marking Ozzy Osbourne’s final live performance—former bassist Bob Daisley has shared his thoughts on not being invited to participate. Daisley, a pivotal contributor to Ozzy’s 1980s solo work, recently spoke with Indie Power TV about the omission.
Reflecting on his time with Ozzy, Daisley remarked, “To be honest with you, I don’t think I’d wanna be a part of that day. It’ll be awkward, but it could turn out as an embarrassment as well, but we’ll see. We’ll see.”
He also addressed not being mentioned during Ozzy’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction last October, stating, “I didn’t expect [to get a mention]. I knew that was coming, because there’s been some dirty water gone under the bridge between us – there’s been lawsuits and legal issues and that – so I was not surprised when I didn’t get a mention. Many people thought that it was wrong and that I should have got a mention. But I really didn’t expect it, so I wasn’t surprised.”
Despite past disputes, Daisley spoke fondly of the original lineup, which included the late guitarist Randy Rhoads. He emphasized the unique chemistry they shared: “It was a chemistry and a formula that worked, and it worked very well. I don’t think any one of us could have been replaced with anyone else and have it work like it did. Ozzy’s voice, tone, and melodies were integral to the sound and deliverance of everything that we did. And Randy and me working together musically first, and then me writing the lyrics to Ozzy’s vocal melodies, it all just jelled. And Lee was definitely the last piece of the puzzle that helped the chemistry and the big picture.”
Daisley’s contributions spanned from 1980’s “Blizzard of Ozz” to 1991’s “No More Tears,” co-creating hits like “Crazy Train,” “Mr. Crowley,” “Bark at the Moon,” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” However, his relationship with Ozzy was marred by creative differences and legal battles over royalties and credits.
The upcoming reunion will feature Black Sabbath’s original members—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—alongside acts like Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, and Mastodon.
