Bradley's emotional recollection of landing the Ozzy Osbourne job: Him seated on the bed, Gillis on the floor, a jump after the solo's completion, followed by a heartfelt embrace and declarations of affection, "I love you, Bradley".
In the tumultuous world of rock and roll, few moments are as significant as when a new band member joins a legendary act. One such instance occurred in 1982, when Brad Gillis was recruited as Ozzy Osbourne's new electric guitar player.
Gillis' journey began when he was approached to help finish the tour with Ozzy, following the tragic death of Randy Rhoads. Rhoads, the previous electric guitar player for Ozzy, had left an indelible mark on the band's sound, and the pressure was on for Gillis to fill those big shoes.
Upon arriving in New York, Gillis attended a de facto initiation party at a flash hotel. The climax of the event took place in Ozzy's Helmsley Palace Hotel Presidential Suite, where the announcement of Gillis joining Ozzy Osbourne's band was made. Ozzy had played Madison Square Garden with Bernie Tormé earlier that night, but Gillis played for him in the master bedroom.
Gillis received two live board cassette tapes with Randy Rhoads' performances to learn the material for the tour. He needed four days to prepare for the tour after receiving the tapes. With determination and a keen ear, Gillis was able to emulate Rhoads' solos, impressing Ozzy enough to be hired.
The first gig with Ozzy was described by Gillis as "horrendous". However, he persevered, and his hard work paid off. Ozzy expressed his affection for Gillis, stating, "I love you, Bradley - pull me through." Gillis helped Ozzy finish tour commitments in 1982 and featured on the Speak of the Devil live release.
In 2021, Brad Gillis was interviewed about his first appearances with Ozzy Osbourne by Guitar World magazine. The interview, conducted and written by Matt, the GuitarWorld.com News Editor, offers a unique insight into those challenging yet triumphant days.
The interview also includes features with Jake E. Lee and Nigel Tufnel, making it a must-read for any rock and roll enthusiast. The full interview can be found in the newest issue of our website, available at Magazines Direct.
In conclusion, Brad Gillis' recruitment came at a crucial time for Ozzy Osbourne, and his dedication and talent helped the band navigate through a difficult period. His story serves as a testament to the power of music and the resilience of the human spirit.
Read also:
- Impact of Alcohol on the Human Body: Nine Aspects of Health Alteration Due to Alcohol Consumption
- Understanding the Concept of Obesity
- Tough choices on August 13, 2025 for those born under Aquarius? Consider the advantages and disadvantages to gain guidance
- Microbiome's Impact on Emotional States, Judgement, and Mental Health Conditions
