Dave Grohl’s Unused Ozzy Osbourne Music: A Repurposed Riff

In a recent revelation, Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl disclosed that he once crafted music intended for the legendary Ozzy Osbourne. During an interview with Kerrang! Radio, Grohl shared insights about the creative process behind the music he wrote, which ultimately found a new life in his own work.

The Background of the Collaboration

Grohl’s attempt to connect with Ozzy came at a time when Sharon Osbourne was reaching out to various musicians, seeking fresh material for her husband. Although Grohl did not specify the exact timeframe of this endeavor, the context suggests it likely took place in the early 2000s.

Grohl’s Musical Vision for Ozzy

Reflecting on the composition, Grohl described the piece as a heavy instrumental reminiscent of the Melvins. “I wrote this instrumental that was like super … it was almost like a Melvins song. It was like super duper heavy,” he recalled. Grohl envisioned what it would be like with Ozzy’s iconic vocals layered over the instrumental backdrop.

The Outcome: From Ozzy to Probot

Despite Grohl’s enthusiasm, the track was ultimately not selected for Ozzy. “They never picked it. They never used it,” Grohl explained. However, he repurposed the music for his own project, resulting in the song “Tortured Soul,” which appeared on the Probot album.

The Legacy of “Tortured Soul”

The heavy instrumental that Grohl initially wrote for Ozzy evolved into “Tortured Soul,” featuring vocals from Eric Wagner, the frontman of the metal band Trouble. Grohl noted that the track carries an Ozzy-like essence, despite not becoming an official Ozzy song. “It has a killer riff, man,” he added, highlighting his satisfaction with the result.

Although “Tortured Soul” was not released as a single, Grohl and the Probot project performed it live on MTV2’s Headbangers Ball in 2004, showcasing its raw energy to a wider audience.

Probot, “My Tortured Soul”

Exploring the Probot Project

Launched in February 2004, the Probot album allowed Grohl to delve into his heavier musical influences. Released independently of Foo Fighters, Probot represented a shift from the more melodic sound found in the band’s 1999 album, There Is Nothing Left to Lose.

After returning from tour, Grohl felt compelled to create heavier music. He began composing riffs, developing them into instrumental tracks without initially aiming for structured songs. “I didn’t even call them songs because they were bare instrumentals with no intention of putting vocals on them and no direction as an actual song,” Grohl explained to Entertainment Weekly.

Collaborations with Metal Legends

Once Grohl had crafted a series of instrumental pieces, he reached out to metal vocalists he admired, allowing them to contribute their unique voices to his compositions. The resulting album features collaborations with iconic figures such as Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead, Max Cavalera of Sepultura, and King Diamond, among others.

Conclusion

Dave Grohl’s experience writing for Ozzy Osbourne highlights the unpredictable nature of the music industry, where creativity can sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes. Although his original vision for the song was not realized in collaboration with Ozzy, it ultimately found its place within the Probot album, showcasing Grohl’s versatility as a musician and his ability to adapt and repurpose his work.

FAQs

Did Dave Grohl’s music ever get used by Ozzy Osbourne?

No, the music Grohl wrote for Ozzy Osbourne was not used by him, but Grohl later repurposed it for his own project, Probot.

What is the song that Grohl wrote for Ozzy called?

The song Grohl created for Ozzy Osbourne became known as “Tortured Soul,” which appeared on the Probot album.

Who sang on “Tortured Soul”?

The vocalist on “Tortured Soul” was Eric Wagner, the lead singer of the metal band Trouble.

What is Probot?

Probot is an album by Dave Grohl released in 2004, featuring collaborations with various metal artists and showcasing heavier musical influences.