"When Ozzy and Sharon Discovered a Shredding Guitar Prodigy"

# Guitarists Who Could Have Joined Ozzy Osbourne’s Band

The list of guitarists who nearly joined Ozzy Osbourne’s band over the years is impressive, featuring iconic names such as [Vito Bratta](https://www.guitarworld.com/features/vito-bratta-kiss-ozzy-osbourne), [Richie Ranno](https://www.guitarworld.com/features/richie-ranno-starz-interview), [Marty Friedman](https://www.guitarworld.com/news/marty-friedman-ozzy-osbourne-audition), [Jennifer Batten](https://www.guitarworld.com/news/jennifer-batten-ozzy-osbourne-audition) among others.

### Reliving a Classic Audition

This time, Chris Impellitteri, founder of the heavy metal band Impellitteri, reminisced about his audition for Ozzy’s band. In a recent interview with *Guitar World*, Impellitteri shared how he received an invitation from Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife and manager, during the 1980s, a period when he was widely recognized as one of the fastest guitarists of his time.

Sharon Osbourne expressed how much they admired his guitar playing and asked him to audition for the band. Impellitteri recalls turning up for the audition despite having signed a deal with Relativity Records, which made it practically impossible for him to join Ozzy’s band at the time.

### An Opportunity and a Dilemma

An attorney advised Impellitteri to take the opportunity, but realizing the barriers, he and Ozzy’s camp pushed forward, eventually leading Impellitteri to play a couple of songs with the band. Although he wasn’t offered the gig, it was clear that Ozzy’s camp remained very interested in him.

The guitarist speculates that had he joined Ozzy’s band, the direction of the music would have been influenced by neo-classical speed shredding, a departure from the diverse range of styles showcased in previous Ozzy Osbourne records. “The full interview with Chris Impellitteri will be published on *GuitarWorld.com* in the coming weeks.”

Read the full story [here](https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/guitarists/chris-impellitteri-ozzy-osbourne-audition).