Zakk Wylde Fired? Ozzy Auditions New Guitarists in Secret

ABOVE: Jeffrey Phillip Wielandt, AKA Zakk Wylde, with Ozzy Osbourne in the ’80s, talking about how Wylde became Ozzy’s guitarist-thanks to Howard Stern. Is Osbourne seeking to replace his guitarist of over two decades?

After the failure of Osbournes: Reloaded-Fox’s horribly misguided attempt to bring the colorful rockstar family back to TV as the hosts of a variety show-Ozzy Osbourne seems to be re-focusing on the thing that made him famous to begin with: music.

Classic Rock Magazine reports that Osbourne, who cancelled the latest edition of his popular Ozzfest summer concert in order to focus on writing a new album, is currently auditioning new guitarists for the project–unbeknownst to longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde. Rob Zombie guitarist John 5 is apparently near the top of Osbourne’s list, although Wylde has already recorded portions of the music for the new CD.

There is a considerable amount of pressure on Osbourne to redeem himself with this effort, considering the fact that his last album, Black Rain, was so poorly received that its release went virtually unnoticed by many.

Apparently, news of the guitarist auditions comes as a surprise to Osbourne’s guitarist of over 20 years,Wylde. Upon hearing about Ozzy’s move, Wylde took to Twitter to tell fans,”I haven’t heard anything about this. Until I talk to the Boss, I don’t know. I love Ozzy,” reports Rolling Stone.

Having stepped into Osbourne’s fold following the death of guitarist Randy Rhoads (to replace Rhoads’s short-lived replacement, Jake E. Lee), Wylde also plays with Black Label Society, and endorses a wide array of guitar products, including his instantly recognizable Les Paul and flying v adorned with a target/bull’s eye design.