GUS G. Says Reunion Between OZZY OSBOURNE And ZAKK WYLDE Is 'Long Overdue'

Greek guitar virtuoso Gus G., who joined Ozzy Osbourne's band just under a decade ago, says that "it's great to see" the BLACK SABBATH singer back together with his longtime axeman Zakk Wylde.

It was announced earlier today that Wylde would be rejoining Ozzy's backing group for all his upcoming 2017 solo show dates. Osbourne's touring lineup will also include Rob "Blasko" Nicholson on bass, Tommy Clufetos on drums and Adam Wakeman on keyboards.

Within a couple of hours of the announcement, Gus, who played on Ozzy's latest studio album, 2010's "Scream", released a statement thanking his former boss and praising the singer's decision to rejoin forces with Zakk.

"It's been an honor and a privilege playing by your side since 2009," Gus wrote on social media. "Nothing but great times and an experience of a lifetime.

"To Ozzy and Sharon — thanks for everything. [I] love ya!

"To Blasko, Adam and Tommy — [it has] been a pleasure rocking with you!

"As a fan, it's great to see Ozzy and Zakk back together. It's been long overdue.

"Last but not least — thanks to all the fans that showed love and support all these years. See you out there soon!

"Ozzy rules!"

Wylde originally joined Osbourne's band three decades ago and backed the legendary frontman from 1987 to 1995, then again in 1998, from 2001 to 2004 and also from 2006 to 2009. His guitar playing can be heard on Osbourne's studio albums "No Rest For The Wicked", "No More Tears", "Ozzmosis", "Down To Earth", "Under Cover" and "Black Rain". The first album with Wylde went double platinum and "No More Tears" remains Ozzy's most successful album, going four times platinum in the United States with four Top 10 songs on the U.S. Billboard chart. Wylde also appeared with Ozzy on three live albums.

In a 2010 interview with Metal Insider, Gus said that he "wouldn't be surprised" if Ozzy one day felt like playing with Zakk again. He said: "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."

He continued: "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."

Gus recently released a new studio album with his long-running band FIREWIND, "Immortals", after issuing two discs as a solo artist.