Billy Morrison’s Insights on Friendship with Ozzy Osbourne and Rock Music Journey
The great Billy Morrison joined Loudwire Nights on Wednesday, March 12, to discuss his enduring friendship with rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, his contributions to Billy Idol’s music, and much more. For fans eager to hear the full conversation, a player is available at the end of this article.
Celebrating Success in Rock Music
As the conversation began, Morrison expressed his excitement about recent accomplishments. “It seems like I am continually celebrating over here,” he said. He mentioned that his single “Crack Cocaine” had reached No. 1 on the rock charts and that his new track “Gods of Rock N Roll” was also performing well. Morrison shared his enthusiasm for the deluxe edition of his latest album, The Morrison Project, highlighting the opportunity to remix tracks and add extra content for fans.
Collaboration with Ozzy Osbourne
One of the standout features of the deluxe edition is the demo version of “Crack Cocaine,” a song Morrison created with Osbourne. He initially hesitated to include it but was persuaded by Ozzy himself. “That was actually Ozzy’s idea,” he revealed. “I told him we were going to do the deluxe and we were having this crazy ‘Crack Cocaine’ remix done… and Ozzy said, ‘Well, you know what fans often like to hear are the original demos.'” Morrison noted that the original demo was quite similar to the final version, emphasizing the importance of listening to Osbourne’s advice.
New Music and Ozzy’s Influence
Morrison recounted another piece of wisdom he gleaned from Ozzy regarding the new version of “Gods of Rock N Roll.” “He told me to put an orchestra and a choir on it 10 years ago,” Morrison admitted. “Finally, I guess I’ve listened to him.” This reflects the deep respect Morrison has for his friend and mentor, showcasing the collaborative spirit that fuels their musical endeavors.
Reflecting on Ozzy’s Final Show
Missing the Birmingham Show
Amidst the excitement, Morrison expressed regret about missing Ozzy’s final show in Birmingham on July 5 due to a conflicting performance with Billy Idol in Austria. “It’s a sore point, very sad,” he shared. Despite the disappointment, he remained supportive, stating, “Ozzy knows his best friend is there in spirit and that’s all that matters. He deserves that show, a celebration.”
Insights on His Musical Journey
Life with Rock Legends
During his chat with host Chuck Armstrong, Morrison discussed what it’s like to work with rock icons like Ozzy and Idol. “I’m kind of living the life, I have to admit. Billy Idol is absolutely overdue for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” he stated emphatically. “There’s no doubt about it. No one could argue it. It’s just long overdue. He shaped and formed music in the ’80s.”
Collaboration on The Morrison Project
Morrison also shared insights into how he collaborated with various artists on The Morrison Project. “Every single person involved in my album, every single person is a friend,” he explained. He emphasized the personal connections, stating he reached out directly to friends rather than going through managers or agents.
Embracing the Unknown
When discussing his approach to future projects, Morrison expressed a laid-back philosophy. “I tend to take it as it comes. Usually what comes next is not what you expect,” he noted. He believes that keeping an open mind allows for unexpected opportunities in creativity, illustrating his organic approach to music-making.
Listen to the Full Interview
Billy Morrison’s appearance on Loudwire Nights was filled with insights and reflections on his illustrious career and friendships in the music industry. For those interested in hearing the complete conversation, it can be accessed through the player below. The show airs live every weeknight at 7 PM ET, and listeners can also find past interviews available on demand.
Conclusion
Billy Morrison’s reflections on his journey through rock music, his collaborations with legends like Ozzy Osbourne and Billy Idol, and his personal philosophies on creativity provide a unique glimpse into the life of a musician who continues to celebrate his successes while remaining grounded in his friendships. As his career unfolds, Morrison’s story is a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring bonds formed through music.
FAQs
What is Billy Morrison known for?
Billy Morrison is known for his work as a guitarist, songwriter, and collaborator with rock legends like Ozzy Osbourne and Billy Idol.
What recent projects has Morrison released?
He recently released a deluxe edition of his album The Morrison Project, which includes remixes and additional tracks.
How did Morrison and Osbourne collaborate on “Crack Cocaine”?
Morrison collaborated with Ozzy Osbourne on “Crack Cocaine,” and the inclusion of the demo version in the deluxe edition was suggested by Osbourne himself.
Will Morrison attend Ozzy’s final show?
Unfortunately, Morrison will not be able to attend Ozzy’s final show in Birmingham due to a scheduling conflict with a Billy Idol concert in Austria.
