GUS G.: 'I Wouldn't Be Surprised If OZZY One Day Feels Like Playing With ZAKK Again'

Metal Insider recently conducted an interview with Greek guitarist Gus G. (FIREWIND, OZZY OSBOURNE). A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Metal Insider: Ozzy Osbourne's new album, "Scream" has been getting rave reviews since its release. How were you able to put your own spin on the material? Were you able to put your own personal touch on it?

Gus G.: I want to think that I managed [to] in the end. [Laughs] I mean, I've done quite a few albums with various bands in the past, and I've always written most of it. This was the first album that I didn't get to write anything because when I joined in everything was done already. So it was a tough task, but at the same time I like challenges, and I tried my best. I approached all the songs with a lot of respect, considering his past and everything. Obviously, it's an Ozzy Osbourne record, but at the same time I wanted to put a little bit of my own flavor to it to make that little difference on there. It was a very fun experience to do this album. It was great.

Metal Insider: You said how you really enjoy challenges, but were you nervous at all going into this?

Gus G.: Originally I was, the first few days I started recording, but then I had some time off to think about some parts and then I got to go back and do some more work and actually start recording everything again from scratch. So the second time there wasn't that stress. The second time around, it felt a little bit more relaxed. Me and Kevin [Churko, producer] worked really well together. There was a nice chemistry between us, and he helped me a lot. Like if there were some places that I got stuck or something, he would help me by suggesting some ideas. And then, of course, I came up with my own stuff and I gave my input with some ideas that I thought could be different. Stuff like that. I tried to be creative and not really let the stress factor take over.

Metal Insider: How has it been working with Blasko (bassist) and Tommy (Clufetos, drummer) so far?

Gus G.: Really good, man. I think we really make a strong band together. They're both killer players, really great players, and they've been pros for many years and are some of the best in the business. These guys rock hard, man. Us three make a really good band together, and also Adam [Wakeman, keyboardist]. He's a fantastic musician. So we got a really strong team here, and I'm sure if us four got in a room and started jamming on riffs, I'm sure the results would be killer.

Metal Insider: Have you had any contact with Zakk Wylde since joining the band?

Gus G.: No. I haven't met Zakk, I didn't contact him. I've read all the stuff that he has said about me in the press, and that was very nice of him and that really means a lot to me because if one of my all-time favorite guitar heroes is giving me the thumbs up only gives me more confidence. It's a big help for me and definitely makes me feel good because I have a great respect for guys like Zakk Wylde. I'm glad he has an open mind about this. Zakk's got his own band and it's fucking great, and I'm looking forward to seeing BLACK LABEL SOCIETY on the road, since he's going to be on the Ozzfest. So I'm pretty sure I'll get to meet him in a couple of weeks.

Metal Insider: Actually I was just about to ask you, do you intend on trying to meet him at Ozzfest?

Gus G.: Well, I'm sure we'll all be around at some point. So we'll meet. It's not like, "Oh, I'll go over to the second stage and knock on the bus door" or something (laughing). I don't know how it's going to come down, but it'll be nice to go by and say hi at some point. I'm sure we'll all be around at some point backstage or whatever. I don't like to think too much about like, "How's it going to happen? Who should go where?" and all that. I'm just going to let the moment happen somehow. I'd definitely like to shake his hand because I'm one big fan of his.

Metal Insider: It's cool that you obviously have respect for your predecessors because it's also obvious that you're a fan as well.

Gus G.: Yeah, I'm a fan as well above all. I wouldn't be surprised if Ozzy one day feels like playing with Zakk again. For me, when I was growing up Zakk was there. The first time I ever saw on TV, Zakk Wylde was on guitar. From my generation, Zakk Wylde was the man. As a fan above all, I know these guys, they're like family more than just a team. So I definitely wouldn't be surprised if one day he would jam again with Ozzy. I know these guys love each other.

Metal Insider: Well, now YOU are the man. (laughing)

Gus G.: Yeah, right now I'm the man! (laughing) Right now, I'm playing there. Don't take what I'm saying the wrong way, but as a fan, trying to look from the outside, I mean I grew up watching Ozzy and Zakk together and that's all I'm saying. I also know that Zakk's been in and out of the band as well a couple of times. But with all that said, I'm very happy and feel very honored that I have this position right now and am there doing it.

Read the entire interview from Metal Insider.