The Thirteen Guitarists Who Auditioned for Ozzy Osbourne but Did Not Secure the Role

Few vocalists in rock history are as closely associated with exceptional guitarists as Ozzy Osbourne. From his early collaborations with Tony Iommi to his work with Randy Rhoads, Brad Gillis, Jake E. Lee, Zakk Wylde, and others, Osbourne has consistently selected remarkable talent. However, numerous highly skilled guitarists auditioned for his band but, for various reasons, did not join. This article examines thirteen notable players who came close to becoming part of Osbourne’s storied lineup.

George Lynch (Auditioned in 1979 and 1982)

George Lynch, later renowned for his work with Dokken, auditioned for Osbourne’s band twice. In 1979, he was considered but lost the role to Randy Rhoads. In 1982, following Rhoads’ passing, Lynch auditioned again to replace Brad Gillis. According to Lynch, in a 2024 interview with Ultimate Guitar, he briefly secured the position, but was dismissed due to concerns about his appearance. Osbourne reportedly objected to Lynch’s short hair, while Sharon Osbourne disapproved of his green guitar, likening it to an unappealing object, despite his technical proficiency. Lynch’s independent personality may also have contributed to the decision.

Richie Ranno (Auditioned in 1982)

Richie Ranno, formerly of Starz, auditioned for Osbourne in 1982 after Randy Rhoads’ tragic death. Ranno, who had met Rhoads in 1976, prepared diligently, learning key tracks such as Crazy Train and Over the Mountain. In a 2022 interview with Guitar World, he recalled being the first to audition, a position he felt disadvantaged him. Despite a strong performance, the role went to Bernie Tormé.

Robert Sarzo (Considered in 1982)

Robert Sarzo, brother of bassist Rudy Sarzo, was nearly invited to join Osbourne’s band following Rhoads’ death. According to Rudy Sarzo’s 2006 memoir, Off the Rails, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne favored Robert for the role. However, manager Don Arden had already paid Bernie Tormé to join the Diary of a Madman tour, precluding Robert’s inclusion.

Vito Bratta (Invited to Audition in 1982)

Vito Bratta, later of White Lion, was contacted by Osbourne’s team in 1982 while Brad Gillis was still in the band. In a 2023 Guitar World interview, Bratta recounted receiving a call, likely from Sharon Osbourne, inviting him to audition at the Ritz. However, Bratta admitted he was unfamiliar with Osbourne’s solo material, requesting a week to prepare. This hesitation led to the opportunity being withdrawn, a decision Bratta later regretted.

Adrian Vandenberg (Offered a Role in 1983)

Dutch guitarist Adrian Vandenberg was approached to join Osbourne’s band during the Speak of the Devil tour, while Jake E. Lee was still the guitarist. Vandenberg, in a 2025 social media post, recalled spending time with Osbourne during a 1983 U.S. tour. Despite opportunities to perform soundchecks with Osbourne’s band, Vandenberg declined due to commitments to his own group, Vandenberg, and Lee’s continued presence in Osbourne’s lineup.

Jimi Bell (Auditioned in 1987)

Following Jake E. Lee’s departure in 1987, Jimi Bell, then with Joan Jett, auditioned for Osbourne. In a 2022 podcast, (Don’t) Quit Your Day Job, Bell described a successful audition on a large soundstage, with Osbourne expressing enthusiasm. However, the role went to Zakk Wylde. Bell later worked with Geezer Butler, contributing uncredited material to Black Sabbath’s Dehumanizer (1992).

Marty Friedman (Auditioned in 1987)

Marty Friedman, later of Megadeth, auditioned to replace Jake E. Lee in 1987 but described the experience as a failure during a 2023 Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy Camp Q&A. Friedman attributed his rejection to a mismatch in image, noting that Osbourne’s band favored an ‘80s Sunset Strip aesthetic, which contrasted with his own appearance at the time.

Jennifer Batten (Submitted a Tape in 1987)

Jennifer Batten, known for her work with Michael Jackson and Jeff Beck, submitted an audition tape for Osbourne’s band in 1987. In a 2022 Ultimate Guitar interview, Batten suggested that her gender likely influenced the decision not to grant her an audition, as the role was perceived as requiring a traditionally masculine image. The position was ultimately filled by Zakk Wylde.

Chris Impellitteri (Invited to Audition in 1987)

Chris Impellitteri, known for his high-speed shredding, was invited to audition for Osbourne in 1987. In a 2024 Guitar World interview, he recalled multiple conversations with Sharon and possibly Ozzy Osbourne. However, a prior commitment to Relativity Records prevented him from pursuing the opportunity further.

Nuno Bettencourt (Offered a Role in 1995)

In 1995, Extreme’s Nuno Bettencourt was offered a position in Osbourne’s band. In a 2025 Guitar World interview, Bettencourt explained that, despite the prestige of the role, he declined to preserve his individuality as an artist, aspiring to carve his own legacy akin to guitarists like Randy Rhoads or Jimmy Page.

Richie Kotzen (Offered a Role in 1995)

Richie Kotzen, formerly of Poison and Mr. Big, was offered a role in Osbourne’s band in 1995 after an unsuccessful collaboration with Steve Vai and Zakk Wylde’s departure. In a 2014 Metal Sludge interview, Kotzen claimed he secured the position, but a leak to the press by a friend disrupted the arrangement, leading to Joe Holmes taking the role.

Buckethead (Auditioned Around 2005)

In 2005, Ozzy Osbourne auditioned guitarist Buckethead (Brian Carroll) before Ozzfest, as Zakk Wylde’s availability was uncertain. In a 2005 Revolver interview, Osbourne recounted requesting that Buckethead remove his signature bucket, only to find him wearing an equally eccentric hat. The unconventional interaction led to Buckethead’s exclusion from the band.

Frank Sidoris (Auditioned Around 2017)

Before Zakk Wylde’s third tenure with Osbourne for a planned farewell tour, Frank Sidoris auditioned for the band. Although Wylde was ultimately chosen due to his long-standing relationship with Osbourne, Sidoris, now with Mammoth, received positive feedback from Osbourne, who praised his talent in a personal letter.