Before Gus G took the stage as Ozzy Osbourne’s new guitarist, he was already known for his distinctive star-shaped guitars. Though, this unique design raised eyebrows for the legendary Prince of Darkness.
Gus G, who gained fame as the lead guitarist for the power metal band Firewind, played a pivotal role in reshaping Ozzy’s sound with the 2010 album Scream. In a recent interview with Guitar World, he revealed that Ozzy had reservations about his choice of guitar.
“My signature models have always been star-shaped guitars,” Gus G explained, referring to the instruments crafted by ESP and Jackson that he has used throughout his career.
“When I joined Ozzy’s band, both he and sharon were uncertain about my guitar’s appearance. They thought it looked too unconventional. ozzy was accustomed to the classic Les Pauls played by Zakk Wylde and Randy Rhoads, and he frequently asked if I could use a Les Paul for some tracks,” he shared.
Despite the skepticism, pointed guitars have made their mark on Ozzy’s performances in the past, notably with Randy Rhoads and his iconic Jackson concorde. However, Gus G understood the challenge of transitioning to a new style for Ozzy. “I realized this was a important shift for him, just as it was for me,” he acknowledged. To accommodate this, he requested ESP to send him a couple of Eclipse guitars, which he utilized during his initial performances with Ozzy.
Gus G had a preference for single-cut guitars but wasn’t entirely convinced by them. Ultimately, he realized he needed to return to his roots. “I always felt restricted when playing them,” he confessed. “Perhaps it was because I was so accustomed to my Star models that I struggled to position my right arm correctly on the Eclipse.”
After a few shows, he discussed his concerns with Ozzy, who eventually conceded, saying, ”You’re the guitarist; play what feels right for you.”
(Image credit: Getty Images)
This unexpected flexibility from Ozzy is notable, especially considering zakk Wylde’s past experiences with strict gear preferences in the band, including the prohibition of a classic pedal.
In other news, Gus G has recently expressed his thoughts on missing out on the Back to the Beginning tour, while Jake E. Lee reminisced about a remarkable gear deal he scored while on tour with Ozzy.
The latest issue of Guitar World is now available, featuring an exclusive cover story on Rush as they prepare for their much-anticipated return to the stage.You can order both print and digital editions from Magazines Direct.
Ozzy osbourne’s Bold Move: Convincing Gus G to Revamp His Guitar Game!
Ozzy Osbourne’s bold Move: Convincing Gus G to Revamp His Guitar Game!
The Background of Gus G and Ozzy Osbourne
before Gus G joined Ozzy Osbourne’s band,he was already a well-known figure in the metal scene,particularly as the lead guitarist for the greek power metal band Firewind.His signature star-shaped guitars became a hallmark of his style, showcasing his technical prowess and unique sound.
In 2010,Gus G stepped into the spotlight as Ozzy’s new guitarist,taking over from the legendary Zakk Wylde. This transition marked a important moment in both artists’ careers, as Gus G was tasked with not only maintaining Ozzy’s iconic sound but also bringing his own flair to the mix.
Ozzy’s Concerns About Guitar Aesthetics
Upon joining the band, Gus G faced an unexpected challenge: Ozzy Osbourne’s reservations about his choice of guitar. In a candid interview, Gus revealed that both Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne were skeptical about the star-shaped design of his instruments. They felt that the pointed silhouette was too unconventional for the band’s image.
Ozzy’s Preference: Ozzy was accustomed to the classic Les Paul guitars, famously played by his previous guitarists, Zakk Wylde and Randy Rhoads.
Gus’s Signature Style: Gus G’s star-shaped guitars had become synonymous with his identity as a guitarist, making the situation even more complex.
The Transition: From Star to Eclipse
Understanding the need for compromise, Gus G decided to adapt to Ozzy’s preferences. He reached out to ESP, the guitar manufacturer he was signed with, and requested a couple of Eclipse models to use during his initial performances with Ozzy.
Benefits of switching Guitars
Switching to the Eclipse model allowed Gus G to explore new tonal possibilities while still maintaining his signature sound.Here are some benefits of this transition:
Versatility: The Eclipse guitar offered a different tonal range, allowing Gus to experiment with various styles and techniques.
Comfort: While Gus initially felt limited by the Eclipse, he eventually found a way to adapt his playing style, leading to greater comfort on stage.
Collaboration: This change fostered a collaborative environment between Gus and Ozzy, enhancing their musical chemistry.
Gus G’s First-Hand Experience
Gus G shared his thoughts on the transition, stating, “I always felt my playing was limited on them. Maybe that was because I was so used to playing my Star models that I couldn’t get my right arm properly positioned on the Eclipse.”
after a few shows,he discussed his concerns with Ozzy,who eventually said,”You’re the guitar player; play whatever feels comfortable.” This moment marked a turning point in their collaboration, allowing Gus to embrace his unique style while still respecting ozzy’s vision.
Case Studies: Other Guitarists Who Adapted
Gus G’s experience is not unique. Many guitarists have faced similar challenges when joining established bands. Here are a few notable examples:
Guitarist
Original Style
Adaptation
Steve Vai
Ibanez JEM
Adapted to various models for different projects
Joe Satriani
Ibanez
Developed signature models while collaborating with other artists
Slash
Gibson Les Paul
Incorporated various guitars for different sounds
Practical Tips for Guitarists Facing Similar Challenges
For guitarists who find themselves in a similar situation, here are some practical tips to navigate the transition:
Communicate: Open dialogue with bandmates about gear preferences can lead to better understanding and collaboration.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different guitars and setups to find what works best for your style.
Stay True to Yourself: While adapting is vital, maintaining your unique sound and style is crucial for artistic integrity.
The Impact on Rock Music
the collaboration between Ozzy Osbourne and Gus G has had a significant impact on the rock music landscape.By embracing change and adapting to new styles,both artists have contributed to the evolution of heavy metal. Gus G’s ability to blend his unique sound with Ozzy’s iconic style has resulted in memorable performances and recordings.
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