Phil Soussan Reflects on His Time with Ozzy Osbourne

Career Overview

Phil Soussan, renowned bassist known for his work on Ozzy Osbourne’s “The Ultimate Sin” album, discussed his impactful tenure in the legendary BLACK SABBATH frontman’s solo band during an appearance on the “Talk Is Jericho” podcast, hosted by FOZZY frontman Chris Jericho. Soussan shared insights on the evolution of Ozzy’s career, dividing it into three distinct chapters.

Chapter One: The Underground Era

According to Soussan, Ozzy’s career began as part of the underground heavy metal movement, characterized by his bat-biting image and dark persona. “I see Ozzy’s career as having gone in three chapters,” he stated. “In the first chapter, he was the bat-biting Satanist, and he was quite underground in Britain, not as big as one might think.” He highlighted the cyclical nature of heavy metal, noting its tendency to oscillate between underground and mainstream recognition.

Chapter Two: Rise to Fame

The pivotal moment for Ozzy came with the release of “The Ultimate Sin” and its hit single “Shot In The Dark.” Soussan described this phase as the turning point that transitioned Ozzy into a household name. “When that song came out, all of a sudden it was his first commercial hit,” he recalled. “We were pegging the MTV charts; I think we were number two for six months.” This success not only solidified Ozzy’s status but also set the stage for his later ventures, including his reality TV show.

Chapter Three: Legacy and Influence

In the third chapter of Ozzy’s career, Soussan observed a return to his roots with BLACK SABBATH while leveraging his commercial success. He noted this phase’s significant influence on new generations of musicians, stating, “You see so many bands who have a direct tie of influence to someone like Ozzy. That is his legacy.” He emphasized that this enduring influence will help preserve Ozzy’s contributions to music for years to come.

The Departure from Ozzy’s Band

In a previous interview, Soussan reflected on his decision to leave Osbourne’s band, clarifying the circumstances surrounding his exit. “There wasn’t that much weirdness that was going on,” he explained. He indicated that his departure stemmed from unmet expectations regarding songwriting credits and financial arrangements with Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife and manager. Despite the challenges, Soussan expressed gratitude for the experience, acknowledging the numerous musicians eager to take his place.

Clarifying Misconceptions

Soussan dispelled rumors regarding a supposed lawsuit against Ozzy over unpaid royalties, stating, “I was asked to join a lawsuit that Bob Daisley had, but I never joined that lawsuit.” He emphasized that he had no grounds for a legal dispute and confirmed that he and Ozzy’s camp never went to court.

The Impact of “The Ultimate Sin”

“The Ultimate Sin,” released in 1986, achieved commercial success, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and earning multiple platinum certifications. The album’s production and creative disputes, particularly regarding songwriting credits, impacted its legacy. Ozzy himself expressed dissatisfaction with the album years later, citing production issues and a desire for a remix.

Songwriting Dynamics

During the creation of “The Ultimate Sin,” tensions arose over songwriting credits, leading to the introduction of Soussan as a replacement for Daisley. Daisley later returned to contribute lyrics, highlighting the complex dynamics within the band during that period.

Conclusion

Phil Soussan’s reflections on his time with Ozzy Osbourne provide a unique perspective on the evolution of a rock icon. From the underground beginnings to commercial success and lasting legacy, Soussan’s insights underscore the significance of collaboration and the challenges faced behind the scenes. His journey with Ozzy remains a remarkable chapter in the annals of rock history.

FAQs

What is Phil Soussan best known for?

Phil Soussan is best known for his work as the bassist on Ozzy Osbourne’s “The Ultimate Sin” album and co-writing the hit song “Shot In The Dark.”

What were the key phases of Ozzy Osbourne’s career according to Soussan?

Soussan identifies three key phases in Ozzy’s career: the underground era, the rise to fame with “The Ultimate Sin,” and the later years where he revisited his roots and influenced a new generation of musicians.

Why did Phil Soussan leave Ozzy’s band?

Soussan left Ozzy’s band due to unmet expectations regarding songwriting credits and financial arrangements, rather than any personal conflict or legal issues.

What was Ozzy’s opinion on “The Ultimate Sin” album?

Ozzy Osbourne has expressed that “The Ultimate Sin” is his least favorite solo album, citing production issues and a desire for a remix to improve it.