Gus G’s Epic Encounter with Rock Legends: A Journey from Shredder to Ozzy’s Guitarist
When gus G secured his position as Ozzy Osbourne’s guitarist, he was already a formidable talent, capable of turning the electric guitar into a symphony of sound. Though, stepping into the world of rock and metal icons was a new frontier for the Firewind guitarist.
His initiation into this exhilarating life began with a cover shoot for Guitar World, marking his debut as the new axe-wielder for the Prince of Darkness.
Following in the Footsteps of Giants
Gus G found himself walking the path once tread by legendary guitarists like Randy Rhoads, Jake E.Lee, Zakk Wylde, and even the great Tony Iommi. The weight of this legacy was not lost on him, and it added a layer of pressure to his new role.
Reflecting on this pivotal moment in a recent interview with Guitar World,Gus admitted to feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. In fact, he opted to leave his signature Star-shaped guitars at home, choosing instead an ESP Eclipse for the shoot.
Making a Lasting Impression
“I brought the Eclipse because I knew Ozzy wasn’t a fan of my Star guitars,” Gus explained. ”Since this shoot was the first time I’d be introduced as Ozzy’s guitarist, I wanted to avoid any awkward moments.”
Ozzy had previously expressed his reservations about the Star guitars, and Gus was keenly aware of the dynamics at play. Yet, on that day, it was Gus who experienced a moment of disbelief, describing the photoshoot as “one of the most surreal rock ’n’ roll experiences” of his life.
A Star-Studded Encounter
The shoot took place in London with renowned photographer Ross Halfin. As Gus was getting ready, he caught a glimpse of someone in the mirror and was stunned to realize it was none other than Jimmy Page.
“I was completely frozen,” he recalled. “When he turned around, I thought, ‘Oh my God! That’s Jimmy page!’”
Despite his initial nerves, Gus found that Page was incredibly gracious. ”A few moments later, I got to meet him, and he was so kind,” Gus shared. “He asked if I was the new guy, wished me luck, and then Ozzy walked in, and there they were, two rock legends just chatting casually.”
A Memorable Photo Opportunity
Gus managed to keep his composure,but as the photographers prepared for the shot,he felt the weight of the moment. “Ozzy and Jimmy were sitting there like the rockstars they are, and then Ozzy invited me to join them for a photo,” he said.”I’ll never forget how generous Ozzy was; he didn’t have to include me, but he did, and it created an unforgettable memory.”
However, Gus’s nerves got the best of him, prompting Halfin to shout, “Gus! Stop being dumb!” as he stood there, starstruck.
A Whirlwind Journey with Ozzy
Gus G’s journey with Ozzy was nothing short of a whirlwind. After auditioning in 2009, where he learned classics like Crazy Train and Bark at the Moon, he flew to Los Angeles and played for a couple of hours. That was all it took for him to secure the gig. He was soon performing at BlizzCon and officially joined the band.
Over the next eight years, he recorded the album Scream and amassed countless memories. Yet, one thing eludes him: that iconic photo with Ozzy and Jimmy Page. in a heartfelt plea, he reached out via Guitar World, saying, “Hey, Ross – if you’re reading this – send me that photo, man!”
For more insights and stories from Gus G, check out the latest issue of Guitar World. Visit Magazines direct to subscribe and enjoy exclusive content.
