In a remarkable turn of events, the legendary Ozzy Osbourne made an astonishing proposition to become the 10th member of the enigmatic metal band, Slipknot. This intriguing encounter unfolded during their participation in Ozzy’s Ozzfest music festival in 1999. Let’s delve into the captivating details of this encounter and the background that led to Ozzy’s surprising offer.
Ozzy’s Aspiration Unveiled:
In the summer of 1999, Ozzfest featured Slipknot, a band that had captured the heart of Ozzy’s son, Jack. The catalyst for their inclusion in the festival was Jack’s unwavering admiration for the band. Recognizing the profound impact of Slipknot on his son, Ozzy Osbourne extended an unexpected and audacious offer – to become the 10th member of Slipknot.
Corey Taylor’s Vivid Recollection:
Corey Taylor, the charismatic frontman of Slipknot, vividly recounted this extraordinary moment in an interview with Classic Rock magazine. He shared how the connection was forged through their shared passion for music, and it was orchestrated by none other than Sharon Osbourne, the influential matriarch of the Osbourne family. Corey remembers the moment distinctly, saying, “I was sitting at a table with Jack and Kelly and Sharon. All of a sudden, Ozzy comes bounding up: ‘Sharon, can you help me with my earrings?’ And Sharon goes, ‘Ozzy, this is one of the members of Slipknot, it’s Corey, he’s the singer.'”
Ozzy’s Enthusiastic Proposal:
Ozzy’s eagerness to join the ranks of Slipknot became evident during this unexpected encounter. He enthusiastically exclaimed, “You’re the guys with nine members? I wanna be number 10!” Corey’s response echoed the sentiment of everyone present: “Dude, you’re Ozzy, anything you want!” The prospect of having the iconic Ozzy Osbourne as the 10th member left an indelible impression on Corey, akin to meeting a superhero.
Ongoing Health Challenges:
It’s essential to acknowledge that Ozzy Osbourne’s health issues have been a source of concern in recent years. He had to cancel a performance at the Power Trip festival in Indio, California, due to his ongoing health challenges. His family has openly expressed their heartbreak over the situation. Kelly Osbourne shared, “We can’t talk about it in the house because it is just so heartbreaking to see that all he wants is just one more show.” Sharon Osbourne added, “Ozzy wants to be on that stage with all his friends. It’s heartbreaking for him to see everybody going on, and he’s just left behind.”
Takeaway:
In a world where music icons rarely merge their talents, the moment when Ozzy Osbourne expressed his desire to become the 10th member of Slipknot remains a unique and unforgettable episode. It underscores the profound power of music to transcend boundaries and create unexpected connections, even among the most iconic figures in the industry.
