OZZY OSBOURNE: 'I Truly Believe My Wife And I Were Meant For Each Other'

Brad Wheeler of The Globe and Mail recently conducted an interview with Ozzy Osbourne by e-mail. The short question-and-answer session follows:

The Globe and Mail: Your new album, "Under Cover", has some interesting song selections. Why did you decide to do an album of cover tunes, and what went into the song choices?

Ozzy: "I'd made a list on a plane many, many years ago and at the time I had no intention of actually doing a covers album. When Sony released the 'Prince of Darkness' box set, I did some covers tracks and the record company liked them so much that we decided to do a full album. It was great fun to do."

The Globe and Mail: You cover "In My Life", your favourite BEATLES song. Johnny Cash, just before he died, also recorded it. With that in mind, how are you feeling these days?

Ozzy: "I can assure you I'm alive and well, and only if by an act of God I will continue playing music — I hope."

The Globe and Mail: Your first job was as a plumber's assistant. Do you fix your own leaky faucets, or do you hire a tradesman?

Ozzy: "I don't drink any more!"

The Globe and Mail: Right. How have you managed to stay married when so many rock 'n' roll marriages crash and burn?

Ozzy: "Super Glue. Seriously, I truly believe my wife and I were meant for each other. I mean, without joking, who else would have me? Because I believe I'm really crazy. I think."

The Globe and Mail: Sharon has just come out with her book. Is there anything in it that embarrasses you?

Ozzy: "I haven't read it. And I don't want to read it in case I do get embarrassed."

The Globe and Mail: Were there incidents that you asked her to leave out?

Ozzy: "No, because it was none of my business. It's her memory and her interpretation."

The Globe and Mail: Would you say your life an open book?

Ozzy: "Everyone knows I've been an alcoholic, a drug addict, and everyone knows that I'm in recovery and have been for a long, long while now. So I suppose it's as open as it could get. Unless someone wants to take some film of me taking a crap."