Buzz Osborne Celebrates New Album “Thunderball” with Melvins 1983

On April 18, Buzz Osborne will mark the release of “Thunderball,” his third album under the Melvins 1983 moniker. This project pays homage to the band’s roots, featuring original drummer Mike Dillard alongside King Buzzo.

Conversation with Loudwire Nights

Osborne recently joined Loudwire Nights on April 1 to discuss the new album and various other topics. You can listen to the complete interview in the player at the end of this article.

“I’ve remained friends with Mike Dillard since we were in high school,” Osborne shared with host Chuck Armstrong. Their connection, initiated through a shared passion for music, has remained strong over the years.

“He was one of the few people that was interested in the kind of music I was interested in,” said Osborne, reflecting on their early friendship. “It was kind of nice to meet somebody that was at least a little bit open-minded.”

The Birth of Melvins 1983

Osborne revealed that it was Dillard who suggested they collaborate under the name Melvins 1983, which led to their first album, “Tres Cabrones,” released in 2013. “He’s a union machinist, that’s his day job,” Osborne explained. “We’re working musicians, and that influences our songwriting. It’s been a lot of fun working together on these projects.”

Buzz Osborne’s Musical Journey

Growing Up in a Small Town

Raised in a small town in Washington, Osborne’s discovery of music was a solitary endeavor. “I mostly didn’t talk about music to anyone,” he admitted. His isolation in musical passion only made it more significant when he met Dillard, who shared similar interests.

Osborne’s musical influences began with iconic bands like Led Zeppelin, which he still cherishes. “Even though I’m punk rock to the bone, I still love Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, all those bands,” he stated.

The Quest for New Sounds

Despite his small-town upbringing, Osborne made it a point to explore various music genres. “I started buying weird records — what I considered weird — like Bowie in about ’77,” he recalled. Inspired by magazine articles featuring rock bands, he would order records without ever hearing them beforehand.

David Bowie opened doors for Osborne, leading him to discover bands like The Stooges and MC5, fueling his passion for punk rock music.

Reflecting on Black Sabbath

Osborne’s Favorite Track

In the interview, Osborne expressed his admiration for Black Sabbath, particularly the title track from their debut album. “To me, that says all of it,” he remarked. “If I had to pick one song for someone who’d never heard Black Sabbath, it would be ‘Black Sabbath.’ What is this that stands before me? Indeed.”

While he was not a fan of Ozzy Osbourne’s solo career, he praised Ronnie James Dio’s contributions to the band. “I think he kind of saved their asses,” Osborne said, reflecting on Dio’s impact on Sabbath’s legacy.

Other Highlights from the Interview

• On Metallica’s “Lulu”: Osborne remains steadfast in his appreciation for Metallica’s experimental album, “Lulu,” praising its uniqueness and artistic integrity.
• Musical Evolution: He emphasized the importance of evolving with each Melvins album, stating, “I’ve always been of the belief that you’re not going to out-practice me. I know what I’m doing.”
• Future Endeavors: Osborne confirmed that he is constantly working on new material, highlighting his dedication to being a professional musician and creating music.

Conclusion

Buzz Osborne’s journey through music, his enduring friendship with Mike Dillard, and the upcoming release of “Thunderball” reflect his passion and dedication to the craft. As Melvins 1983 continues to evolve, fans eagerly await what’s next from this legendary musician.

FAQs

When is the release date for “Thunderball”?

“Thunderball” will be released on April 18.

Who plays drums on the new album?

The album features original Melvins drummer Mike Dillard.

What is Buzz Osborne’s favorite Black Sabbath song?

Osborne cites “Black Sabbath,” the title track from their debut album, as his favorite.

How can I listen to the full interview with Buzz Osborne?

The complete interview is available on Loudwire Nights, which can be streamed live or on-demand through their app or website.