Bassist Greg Chaisson auditioned for Ozzy Osbourne’s band ahead of the The Ultimate Sin album, enduring one of the most intense trials of his career before teaming up with Jake E. Lee in Badlands.

Background on the Bass Slot

Bob Daisley handled bass duties on Ozzy’s 1980 album Blizzard of Ozz, but Rudy Sarzo replaced him in 1981 after initially turning down the role. Years later, as work began on Ozzy’s fourth studio album, the position opened again, prompting Chaisson to pursue it.

The Grueling Audition in Scotland

“Yes, I auditioned for Ozzy for The Ultimate Sin record,” Chaisson states. The sessions unfolded just outside Inverness, Scotland, at an old manor house equipped with a professional recording studio in an outbuilding.

Chaisson recalls that the auditions skipped Ozzy’s Black Sabbath catalog and solo hits. “When I got there, we didn’t play any of the existing material from either Sabbath or any of Ozzy’s solo stuff,” he explains. “They had all the songs written, except Shot in the Dark. Phil Soussan brought that song in with him.”

The process proved exhaustive. “I was there for 21 days and recorded almost every day or night,” Chaisson shares. “I honestly don’t know if anything I recorded ended up on the record, but I do know they liked the bass lines I came up with.”

Ozzy’s Feedback and the Image Factor

Ozzy praised Chaisson’s skills but cited visuals as the barrier. “Ozzy didn’t think I had the right look for MTV,” Chaisson notes. “He was probably correct. I do know he liked my bass playing; he told me I was the best of everyone who auditioned.”

Chaisson reflects on the rejection’s nature: “If they said I wasn’t good enough, I could go home, practice, and get better. But there’s nothing I could do about my image or lack thereof at the time.” Still, he views the experience positively. “It would’ve been a great gig, but it was such a trip just to be up there auditioning.”

Lasting Connections and Badlands

During the audition, Chaisson forged a strong bond with Jake E. Lee. “Jake E. Lee and I became really good friends while I was there and have maintained that friendship ever since,” he says.

After tensions ended Lee’s stint with Ozzy—clearing the path for Zakk Wylde—the pair launched Badlands together.