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Ozzy proved his point to his ex-bandmates. Still, Speak of the Devil is strengthened by the classic combo of Rudy Sarzo and Tommy Aldridge on bass and drums, undoubtedly one the best rhythm sections of Ozzy's solo career.
Instead, the singer opted for a pair of one-offs at New York City's Ritz club. Following the death of Randy Rhoads, plans for a live recording from the Rhoads tours were quickly scrapped.
Hiring metal producer Max Norman to man the boards, Ozzy enlisted Night Ranger guitarist Brad Gillis to play guitar for the evening. No one had any idea what Ozzy would do, and an evening of Black Sabbath covers was the furthest thing from everyone's mind.
Ozzy had been portrayed as a washed-up, vocally challenged frontman by his ex-bandmates, and the perception was that Ozzy could no longer sing the original Sabbath material. Speak of the Devil ends up solid throughout, if somewhat unremarkable at times.
Following the recording Gillis would jump ship and rejoin the ranks of Night Ranger.
I grew up on the Ozzy Sabbath years back in the day, I grew away from the band and never freally followed Ozzy's solo stuff beyond blizzard ofoz or tribute.But this disc is total fun. I really enjoy the bass and drum combo of Sarzo and Aldridge.It gives a fresh shot in the arm to the music. Ozzy and the band play it hard. All the essential Sabbath cuts are here. Brad Gillis was excellent. Ozzy, is Ozzy an icon, sounded like he really enjoyed the gigs.I'm no Ozzy/Sabbath pure fan but I know to me it rocks and sounds good.
The only downside is the versions of Sabbath bloody sabbath,and Children of the grave,which lack the power of "Iommi/Butlers" true tune the guitar down to achieve the heavy tone. Tommy Aldridges powerfull drums w/ Rudy Sarzo "Quiet Riot" rumbling bass the music is very close to the original Sabbath sound.
With the rest of "The blizzard of Ozz" Ozzy's band is in prime form. This Concert was recorded shortly after the untimely death of guitar phenom Randy Rhodes.
From the first track "Symtom of the Universe" the Ozz-man is hitting every note with great timber and power. Ozzy hires California guitar ace Brad Gillis " Night Ranger " to fill the huge shoes of Randy Rhodes.
Gillis does a very good job of learning and performing this set list of old Sabbath classics. What makes this cd a must have is, the set list including b-sides like Never say die,Snow blind, Symtom of the universe, the Wizard, and classics like Faries wear boots etc.
All in all Ozzy sounds great " better than RR tribute" and the mix is nice and hot.
I found a bootleg, but it lacks the recording quality of this album. I actually have a cassette tape of the first live (post crash) gig that was simulcast from Memphis, that had all the current "Ozzy" hits, instead of these "Sabbath remakes", THAT IS THE SHOW THAT NEEDS TO GET RELEASED. (GET OFF OF THAT ONE SHARON). Randy Rhoades was a true genius, but Brag Gillis was sitting in the front row of that class as well. Kenny Holton
Easily Ozzy's best live CD. I went through two cassette tapes and couldn't find the CD in stores although I looked for several years. Brad Gillis is tremendous. I like his renditions of the songs better than Tony Iommi's and that is saying a lot. Finally bought it on Amazon. Never get tired of listening to this CD.
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