Former W.A.S.P. guitarist CHRIS HOLMES sat down with The Metal Voice on a live chat and discussed the legacy and his personal stories with Ozzy Osbourne.
Holmes spoke about the legacy of Ozzy, “Every time I’ve ever met the guy (OZZY), he didn’t have a mean bone in his body. I never heard him say anything mean to anybody or about anything. I will say that. He (Ozzy) went to the top of the mountain and stayed there his whole life, you got to give him credit for that. We went on top and never came down. He was on top forever. “
Holmes went on to talk about the time he had few BBQ’s with the Osbournes when he was married to Lita Ford and Ford was managed by Sharon Osbourne.
According to the BBC Metal pioneer Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22, 2025
In a statement, his family said “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning.
“He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.
Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary “Prince of Darkness” and one of Rock’s most iconic frontmen, has passed away at 76.
The Osbourne family shared in a statement obtained by The Guardian:
“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
Billy Morrison and Ozzy Osbourne released a stripped-down version of their epic track “Gods of Rock N Roll” on July 1st across all streaming platforms, with a special vinyl limited edition double A side that features both versions of the song available July 4th via TLG|ZOID, distributed by Virgin Music Group.
Earlier this year, the powerful orchestral version became a Top 10 Rock Radio hit, and now fans will experience the song in a whole new light with a stripped-down version that showcases Ozzy like never before.
Produced and reworked by Billy Morrison, this version removes the guitars and drums, and adds a bass track from Chris Chaney, allowing Ozzy’s unmistakable vocals to take center stage. The track features Fred Coury’s masterful orchestration and a hauntingly beautiful acoustic guitar solo by Steve Stevens (Billy Idol), bringing new emotional depth to the already iconic song.
Available on all streaming platforms and on the limited-edition double A side vinyl.
Billy Morrison, the British guitarist, singer, and songwriter is primarily known as Billy Idol’s rhythm guitar player for the past 15 years alongside lead guitarist Steve Stevens. Hisrecent collaboration with Ozzy Osbourne and Steve Stevens, “Crack Cocaine,” soared to #1 on the Mediabase Active Rock Chart, further solidifying his place as a powerhouse in the rock world. The Morrison Project is a testament to his collaborative spirit and fearless commitment to creating boundary-breaking music that unites artists and genres in bold, unexpected ways.
On the heels of the tremendous success of The Morrison Projectand #1 song “Crack Cocaine”, rock guitarist Billy Morrison and Ozzy Osbourne release an epic new single “Gods of Rock N Roll” through TLG|ZOID, distributed by Virgin Music Group.
As reported by Forbes, the single debuts on two additional Billboard charts this time around.“This week, ‘Gods of Rock and Roll’ debuts highest on the Hard Rock Digital Song Sales chart. On that list, Billboard’s ranking of the bestselling tunes that fit perfectly under the hard rock label, the single opens at No. 5,” says Forbes Senior Contributor, Hugh McIntyre. He adds, “‘Gods of Rock and Roll’ is also new to the Hot Hard Rock Songs chart. That list takes into account all forms of consumption — sales, streams, and airplay. On the ranking, the single blasts in at No. 12.”
The song is already a Top 20 Billboard Mainstream Rock hit coming in at #16 this week!!
“Ozzy and I have breathed new life into what we always felt was a huge song. GODS OF ROCK N ROLL was written ten years ago in a South American hotel room, but with this re-recording we both feel we have finally made the song what it was always meant to be – a huge emotive ballad,” says Morrison.
He adds, “A huge portion of the song was completely re-recorded, the 61 piece Budapest Scoring Orchestra recorded the orchestral score composed by Fred Coury, and then the John Burroughs High School choir were added. Barry Pointer had the unenviable task of mixing 132 tracks and he did an incredible job. The end result is what happens when Ozzy Osbourne makes some suggestions, and Billy Morrison listens!”
The orchestral score was composed and arranged by Fred Coury, and the song was mixed by Barry Pointer and mastered by David Donnelly. The recording features the renowned Budapest Scoring Orchestra. ”Gods of Rock N Roll” showcases the talents of Billy Morrison on guitar, Ozzy Osbourne on vocals, and Steve Stevens on lead guitar.
Morrison states, “Having the opportunity to include everyone that was involved in the making of Gods of Rock ‘n’ Roll and shoot it all for the video at NRG Studios was a dream come true for me. It was an amazing vibe, Ivo the Director captured the intimacy, and the fun that we had, and I believe the video truly represents the spirit of the song that Ozzy and I wrote. It’s wide reaching, cinematic and shows just how amazing Ozzy is to work with. I’m honored to be putting this out into the world.”
Ozzy told Kerrang!, “Billy and I wrote GODS OF ROCK N ROLL together in a hotel room while I was touring in South America about 10 years ago. This re-recorded version of the song finally has all the bells and whistles. I told Billy then that it needed an orchestra and a choir, but it took 10 FUCKING YEARS for him to listen to me.”
To add to the excitement, Morrison released a deluxe digital edition ofThe Morrison Project album on February 21st through TLG|ZOID, distributed by Virgin Music Group. The deluxe edition features six previously unreleased bonus tracks, including “Gods of Rock N Roll.” There is also a “stripped down” mix of just the orchestra and Ozzy that will be available soon.
Morrison explains,“I have always wanted the opportunity to do an expanded, ‘Deluxe’ version of a record. It’s basically where you get to have some fun, remix some things, and include songs that mean something personal. Thanks to the guys at TLG ZOID, I have been given that opportunity! So to have YOUTH from KILLING JOKE actually mix an amazing dub version of We Are The Dead, to have JEFF LANE throw down an incredibly different remix of Crack Cocaine, and to have my track with Cypress Hill all on the extra disc is just a fantastic feeling! Plus I got the opportunity to remix Dystopia myself and did the whole half-time vibe that I was originally playing with, back when I wrote it.”
Tickets for Ozzy Osbourne’s final performance with Black Sabbath go on sale TODAY! Get your tickets HERE!
Billy Morrison, the British guitarist, singer, and songwriter is primarily known as Billy Idol’s rhythm guitar player for the past 15 years alongside lead guitarist Steve Stevens. Hisrecent collaboration with Ozzy Osbourne and Steve Stevens, “Crack Cocaine,” soared to #1 on the Mediabase Active Rock Chart, further solidifying his place as a powerhouse in the rock world. The Morrison Project is a testament to his collaborative spirit and fearless commitment to creating boundary-breaking music that unites artists and genres in bold, unexpected ways.
On the heels of the tremendous success of The Morrison Projectand #1 song “Crack Cocaine”, rock guitarist Billy Morrison and Ozzy Osbourne release an epic new single “Gods of Rock N Roll” on Valentine’s Day, 14th February through TLG|ZOID, distributed by Virgin Music Group. Fans got their first listen when Ozzy’s Boneyard on Sirius XM premiered the song on January 17th, and now the song is already a Top 20 Billboard Mainstream Rock hit coming in at #18 this week!!
“Ozzy and I have breathed new life into what we always felt was a huge song. GODS OF ROCK N ROLL was written ten years ago in a South American hotel room, but with this re-recording we both feel we have finally made the song what it was always meant to be – a huge emotive ballad,” says Morrison.
He adds, “A huge portion of the song was completely re-recorded, the 61 piece Budapest Scoring Orchestra recorded the orchestral score composed by Fred Coury, and then the John Burroughs High School choir were added. Barry Pointer had the unenviable task of mixing 132 tracks and he did an incredible job. The end result is what happens when Ozzy Osbourne makes some suggestions, and Billy Morrison listens!”
The orchestral score was composed and arranged by Fred Coury, and the song was mixed by Barry Pointer and mastered by David Donnelly. The recording features the renowned Budapest Scoring Orchestra. ”Gods of Rock N Roll” showcases the talents of Billy Morrison on guitar, Ozzy Osbourne on vocals, and Steve Stevens on lead guitar.
Morrison states, “Having the opportunity to include everyone that was involved in the making of Gods of Rock ‘n’ Roll and shoot it all for the video at NRG Studios was a dream come true for me. It was an amazing vibe, Ivo the Director captured the intimacy, and the fun that we had, and I believe the video truly represents the spirit of the song that Ozzy and I wrote. It’s wide reaching, cinematic and shows just how amazing Ozzy is to work with. I’m honored to be putting this out into the world.”
Ozzy told Kerrang!, “Billy and I wrote GODS OF ROCK N ROLL together in a hotel room while I was touring in South America about 10 years ago. This re-recorded version of the song finally has all the bells and whistles. I told Billy then that it needed an orchestra and a choir, but it took 10 FUCKING YEARS for him to listen to me.”
To add to the excitement, Morrison is set to release a deluxe digital edition ofThe Morrison Project album on February 21st. This special edition will be released through TLG|ZOID, distributed by Virgin Music Group. The deluxe edition features six previously unreleased bonus tracks, including “Gods of Rock N Roll.” There is also a “stripped down” mix of just the orchestra and Ozzy that will be available soon.
Morrison explains,“I have always wanted the opportunity to do an expanded, ‘Deluxe’ version of a record. It’s basically where you get to have some fun, remix some things, and include songs that mean something personal. Thanks to the guys at TLG ZOID, I have been given that opportunity! So to have YOUTH from KILLING JOKE actually mix an amazing dub version of We Are The Dead, to have JEFF LANE throw down an incredibly different remix of Crack Cocaine, and to have my track with Cypress Hill all on the extra disc is just a fantastic feeling! Plus I got the opportunity to remix Dystopia myself and did the whole half-time vibe that I was originally playing with, back when I wrote it.”
Pre-order the limited deluxe edition and receive 3 gratis tracks of “Crack Cocaine.”
Pre-order The Morrison Project Deluxe Edition Digital Album here:
Tickets for Ozzy Osbourne’s final performance with Black Sabbath are on sale! Get your tickets HERE!
Billy Morrison, the British guitarist, singer, and songwriter is primarily known as Billy Idol’s rhythm guitar player for the past 15 years alongside lead guitarist Steve Stevens. Hisrecent collaboration with Ozzy Osbourne and Steve Stevens, “Crack Cocaine,” soared to #1 on the Mediabase Active Rock Chart, further solidifying his place as a powerhouse in the rock world. The Morrison Project is a testament to his collaborative spirit and fearless commitment to creating boundary-breaking music that unites artists and genres in bold, unexpected ways.
L – R: Steve Stevens, Allisa Pollack (Mediabase), Ozzy Osbourne & Billy Morrison – Photo Credit: Zan Nakari
Mediabase presented Billy Morrison, Ozzy Osbourne & Steve Stevens with a #1 song plaque for “Crack Cocaine” on Wednesday October 16, 2024.
Billy Morrison states:
“Receiving this plaque from the wonderful people at Mediabase just solidified the achievement of getting to Number One. I’m really grateful to them for making the trip to Los Angeles and recognizing the song. It’s a pretty cool feeling! I can’t wait for the world to hear what we have cooked up for the new year together!”
Peter Tsiolis, CEO of TLG|ZOID, comments:
“When we heard ‘Crack Cocaine’ we instantly knew it was great. We all felt it was a hit. To be a new label releasing a song with Billy, Ozzy and Steve is amazing! To have it reach #1 on Mediabase is unbelievable! Thanks to Josh, Allisa and everyone at Mediabase for the plaques and special day.”
Steve Stevens adds:
“An absolute honor to receive my plaque commemorating the #1 position for our song Crack Cocaine from Media Base. Nothing but love for my buddies Billy Morrison and Ozzy Osbourne.”
“Crack Cocaine,” the riveting collaboration with Billy Morrison, Ozzy Osbourne and Steve Stevens skyrocketed to the top of the nations ActiveRock Mediabase chart at #1 earlier this year. The single is from Billy Morrison’s recently launched solo album, The Morrison Project, available now through TLG | ZOID | Virgin Music Group.
“Crack Cocaine” was co-written by Billy Morrison, Ozzy Osbourne, and Steve Stevens.
Accompanying the release of “Crack Cocaine” was a visually stunning music video, featuring not only Billy Morrison, Ozzy Osbourne, and Steve Stevens but also a performance by Paris Jackson in the role of the romantic interest. The video was directed by Ivo Raza, and filmed at various Los Angeles locations.
In addition to the star-studded cast, the music video includes cameos from renowned visual artist RISK and acclaimed actor Jeff Hilliard.
THE MORRISON PROJECT was produced by Billy Morrison, mixed by Barry Pointer, and mastered by Dave Donnelly. The songs on the album were recorded in Los Angeles at various studios and were written by Billy Morrison in collaboration with his guests.
TLG | ZOID has entered into a strategic alliance with The Label Group and dCommunity, signaling a progressive approach to the evolving music industry landscape and positioning TLG | ZOID as a frontrunner in integrating artist-centric initiatives and fan engagement within the metaverse and blockchain technology.
The British guitarist, singer, and songwriter is primarily known as Billy Idol’s rhythm guitar player for the past 15 years alongside lead guitarist Steve Stevens, has expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with TLG|ZOID, highlighting the importance of a record deal that respects the artist’s creative freedom and ensures widespread distribution across all platforms. This collaboration not only signifies a forward-thinking move in the music industry but also aligns with the evolving landscape of entertainment, where the integration of digital and virtual spaces is becoming increasingly prevalent.
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