Typically in rock historical past, the almosts and near-misses inform tales simply as compelling as the large breaks. In a latest dialog with Radio Forrest of 96.9 The Eagle, Savatage and Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitarist Al Pitrelli shared a uncommon reminiscence about almost becoming a member of Ozzy Osbourne’s band within the late Eighties.
“Years and years in the past, when Jake [E. Lee] left [Ozzy‘s] band, and I do not even know what 12 months this is able to be — ’87 possibly, ’88. And Max Norman was Ozzy‘s producer, I believe, on the Blizzard Of Ozz and the Diary Of A Madman album. And I had identified Max in New York Metropolis, and he referred to as me up and he goes, ‘I am recommending you to [Ozzy‘s wife and manager] Sharon to be one of many those that they take a look at to switch Jake.’ And I used to be, like, ‘Oh my God. Implausible,'” Pitrelli mentioned (through Blabbermouth).
The chance appeared to fall into his lap. By probability, Pitrelli quickly crossed paths with Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne in New York Metropolis.
“I bumped into Sharon and Ozzy someplace in New York Metropolis, I believe. I mentioned, ‘I do not imply to interrupt you guys.’ And I launched myself to Sharon. I mentioned, ‘Hear, my identify’s Al Pitrelli. Max Norman put my identify right into a hat for potential individuals who had been gonna audition for you guys. I simply wanna say thanks for the chance, however no matter occurs, good luck to you. Love you guys. Respect at all times,” Pitrelli recalled.
“And Ozzy nodded and smiled, and Sharon shook my hand very graciously and mentioned, ‘Thanks.’ And that was the primary and final time I ever spoke to him, as a result of a really well-known photographer named Mark Weiss really useful Zakk [Wylde], and I believe when Zakk walked within the room, it was throughout. And Zakk was the right alternative for Ozzy again then. In the event you put me or Zakk in there, put Zakk in there for what Ozzy wanted on the time.”
Although he by no means received the gig, the truth that his identify was within the working mattered deeply.
“Properly, it was good as a result of that is an accomplishment. Folks had been you at that degree. I actually did not see myself at that degree but. I imply, you are speaking about Randy Rhoads and Jake E. Lee, after which subsequently Zakk Wylde. However swiftly, it is, like, ‘Properly, individuals are being attentive to me. I ought to most likely preserve working actually, actually arduous.’ After which not too lengthy after that’s when Steve Vai circled and really useful me to switch him in David Lee Roth‘s band. Dave‘s, like, ‘You are my man.’ However he received caught up in some movie that he was doing. After which Steve reiterated that thought to Alice Cooper when Alice wanted a musical director, and Alice employed me. It has been a nonstop form of simply, like, ‘pay it again’ state of affairs. Everyone takes care of one another if you’re on the market, for those who come from the outdated neighborhood.”
For Pitrelli, what stood out simply as a lot because the profession recognition was the heat he felt in that temporary assembly.
“I keep in mind that Sharon was so candy, with a real smile. Ozzy was a gentleman, solely the best way Ozzy might be, and everyone was simply form and thoughtful. Right here I’m — not ravenous, however some younger child from Lengthy Island dying to get within the enterprise, they usually had been candy for 5 to 10 minutes.”
Whereas Pitrelli by no means grew to become a part of Ozzy Osbourne’s band, his profession path was hardly derailed. He grew to become a key determine in Trans-Siberian Orchestra from its very starting in 1995, taking part in on its first launch, Christmas Eve And Different Tales, and as we speak serves as each lead guitarist and musical director for the group’s western touring firm, in addition to co-musical director on its studio work.
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