Gus G is Ozzy's Man
- Thread starter Spiderpact
- Start date
This is probably all good. If Ozzy and Sharon picked Gus, it's because they want to go in a certain direction. If they wanted to keep doing what they were doing, they'd ask John 5 or some nu metal guitarist to join the band. The fact that they went for the guy who sounds like a mix of Rhoads, Jake E Lee, and Wylde says that they probably want to go back to Ozzy's classic sound. Otherwise, what's the point in having him there?
Uptempo rock and metal has been back "in" for a few years now. If there was ever a time for Ozzy to return to his roots from a commercial standpoint, it's now.
Uptempo rock and metal has been back "in" for a few years now. If there was ever a time for Ozzy to return to his roots from a commercial standpoint, it's now.
And now it is official, for the gig anyways: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=125680
SharkBlack
Member
Jasonic
Doom On!
Yeah, I agree it would be difficult to turn down.
I mean, for someone who has been touring in underground bands for so many years, I am sure it would be nice to go out on tour where you know where your next meal is coming from, where you are sleeping that night, knowing the show probably won't be canceled, etc, etc.
On the flipside, I disagree 100% about FIREWIND getting ANY more exposure.
Do you really think that the average OZZY fan seriously gives a rat's ass about underground metal, or where Gus G came from?
Also, I don't agree with people who make statements like, "Wow, I now have faith in new OZzy material". Why? Its not like Ozzy or Sharon will. Do you honestly think Gus will have ANY creative input? Furthermore, when they tour, there will be MAYBE 2 songs tops in the setlist from a new album. Most likely, only one.
Sorry to be so blunt, but let's be realistic here folks. Its not like Ozzy as a solo artist is going to go through some major second coming. Let's face it. H&H got a lot further than Sharon ever thought they really would. They needed to get their name back out there, so axeing (no pun intended) Zakk made headlines and got people talking about Ozzy again.
Do you really think that the average OZZY fan seriously gives a rat's ass about underground metal, or where Gus G came from?
I don't think anyone expects Firewind to start enjoying the success of say, Disturbed. But the exposure should certainly give Firewind a good chance of achieving Black Label Society-level fame. Firewind's sound probably appeals more to Ozzy fans than Black Label Society's anyway.
At the very least, this should buy Firewind a spot on the next Ozzfest.
I don't think anyone expects Firewind to start enjoying the success of say, Disturbed. But the exposure should certainly give Firewind a good chance of achieving Black Label Society-level fame. Firewind's sound probably appeals more to Ozzy fans than Black Label Society's anyway.
At the very least, this should buy Firewind a spot on the next Ozzfest.
Entrerie
Member
- Sep 14, 2006
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As long as Firewind is unhindered and continues to produce their brand of awesome music and tour, I am glad Gus G has this oppertunity. Even though Ozzy is not the god tier of metal(depends on your opinion of course) like in the eighties, I'm sure there are many who still view him as a legend and this would be like a dream come true, especially to someone who may have grown up listening to his albums.
Although I will say his vocals at Blizzcon were very cringeworthy, not sure what you anyone can really do about that..I guess it is what it is. It's just not that appealing to see or hear.
Although I will say his vocals at Blizzcon were very cringeworthy, not sure what you anyone can really do about that..I guess it is what it is. It's just not that appealing to see or hear.
Jasonic
Doom On!
Sorry, I have to strongly disagree with you there.
BLS appeals to the masses due to one thing....image....
To the common mainstream metal fan, there is nothing out of the ordinary imagewise about FIREWIND. (And yes, it DOES matter to the mainstream audience).
Look even at recent underground musicians joining mainstream bands.....
Do Machine Head fans care about Vio-Lence? (Ok, maybe not fair, since they are no longer active).
Do Megadeth fans care about Eidolon or Jag Panzer? (and this is a band that does still have some underground metal fans).
Do old timer Priest fans care about Winter's Bane, Beyond Fear, etc?
Do old time Maiden fans care about Wolfsbane?
Do mainstream Metallica fans care about Flotsam & Jetsam , Exodus, Infectious Grooves, etc???????
Us underground metal fans are interested in knowing the roots of the musicians who are new to bands we love. This is truly not the case for mainstream artists.
I am happy for the guy. As I said, it must be killer to play for a legend like that and make a decent paycheck. Sure, maybe he will last a couple years, and if Gus chooses to continue Firewind, his financial status might be able to bring it more full scale. Either way though, it will have to be frustrating as heck to record an album with music most likely written by someone else, and then going to tour (probably a short one), playing at most MAYBE one song from the album you just spent the last 6 months recording.
ICEDEARTHFAN
IN MEMORY.....
Does anybody think Ozzy would allow Gus to play with Firewind AND with Ozzy during a tour.Zakk played all the time with Black Label and then hours later played with Ozzy to end the night.Just a thought......
Jasonic
Doom On!
Does Ozzy have plans for recording / touring at the moment? Is Ozzfest supposed to continue? I haven't really been keeping up on all things Ozzy. If so, then I suppose Firewind could get offered a slot.
- Nov 24, 2002
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Business is also to sell the soul to the devil, literally in the case of Sharon
I really hope this doesn't damage Gus and that Firewind continues regardless of this oppportunity.
ICEDEARTHFAN
IN MEMORY.....
I saw an interview with Ozzy or Sharon a while back and it was said no Ozzfest this year but in 2010 it was supposed to be huge and I just thought that might be a way to let Gus showcase his band and still play with Ozzy
Hey Jasonic let me just say you are 100% wrong. I am actually the administrator for the Firewind forum, and have known Gus G personally for years.
His exposure playing with Arch Enemy at Ozzfest a few years back gave Firewind more exposure. Many new fans came from that gig alone.
Firewind is not as underground as you think they are. Gus/Firewind is huge in Greece (hometown), Japan AND the UK (sold out shows), and he has a ton of endorsement deals.
Lets just put it this way. Gus doesnt have a "day job".
His exposure playing with Arch Enemy at Ozzfest a few years back gave Firewind more exposure. Many new fans came from that gig alone.
Firewind is not as underground as you think they are. Gus/Firewind is huge in Greece (hometown), Japan AND the UK (sold out shows), and he has a ton of endorsement deals.
Lets just put it this way. Gus doesnt have a "day job".
Jasonic
Doom On!
There is a big difference between getting some more exposure in the U.S. and being as big as BLS.
Power and prog are two genres that do not have long term appeal to the young mainstream metal audience. DragonForce's 15 minutes are long done. No need to get into a discussion on how FW is a better band than DF, or whatever, because that isn't the point.
The mainstream audience prefers form over substance.
Since you have an in with Gus, has he ever publically stated his motivation for taking the gig? Is it to help increase exposure for FW, or simply fulfill a dream, or even just for the $$$$$? In all honesty, considering we are speaking of Ozzy in the year 2009, any reason would certainly be an acceptible one.
Power and prog are two genres that do not have long term appeal to the young mainstream metal audience. DragonForce's 15 minutes are long done. No need to get into a discussion on how FW is a better band than DF, or whatever, because that isn't the point.
The mainstream audience prefers form over substance.
Since you have an in with Gus, has he ever publically stated his motivation for taking the gig? Is it to help increase exposure for FW, or simply fulfill a dream, or even just for the $$$$$? In all honesty, considering we are speaking of Ozzy in the year 2009, any reason would certainly be an acceptible one.
You really need to stop jumping from one argument to the next and putting words into people's mouths. All people said is that it'd get Firewind some exposure. Which you refuted from the get go.
Diabolik
Member
I doubt any Ozzy fans are going to run out and research where this guitarist came from. Reluctantly I have to agree with Jasonic on all aspects of his post. There is just a small core bunch of fans in the US who research and post all over then net....while majority of the fans are casual fans who may buy the new album but always go to the live show to hear the classic material. 10% of Ozzy's fans will maybe look into Firewind....maybe 5% will listen to them....maybe 2% would even buy or download legally some stuff. Any exposure is good exposure....but it isnt like Firewind will ever reach BLS level in the states.
10% of Ozzy fans who've never heard of Firewind checking them out is exposure. Which is exactly my point. He said there would be no exposure. Not no "BLS level of exposure."
If Ozzfest starts up again and Firewind gets a second stage slot ala Dragonforce, that's more exposure. I can see the people jumping on the DF wagon at least checking out Firewind even if they have a fraction of the 15 mins as DF.
Jasonic
Doom On!
I said I disagree 100% about Firewind gaining mass exposure, not that there would be ZERO exposure, but anyhow......
I think many of you are failing to read my post which shows a proven formula of underground artist's prior bands gaining VERY minimal increased mainstream exposure, following joining a mainstream band. It's not a dis at all, just an observation.
I said it in one of my first replies to this thread.
I think the guy deserves the recognition, and the chance to record and tour where there is little personal concern or worry over the $$$$$ involved. I have been in many bands myself. I can certainly appreciate how awesome of an opportunity this is for him. Aside from the $$ though, and the chance to play with a legend, I just don't see the creative satisfaction this will offer. Who knows? Maybe Ozzy will give him full riegn to write all the music. I would be surprised, but you never know.
I agree that FW may get some exposure. I never said they wouldn't. I seriously doubt though that they will be a major commercial success, as some are suggesting.
I think many of you are failing to read my post which shows a proven formula of underground artist's prior bands gaining VERY minimal increased mainstream exposure, following joining a mainstream band. It's not a dis at all, just an observation.
I said it in one of my first replies to this thread.
I think the guy deserves the recognition, and the chance to record and tour where there is little personal concern or worry over the $$$$$ involved. I have been in many bands myself. I can certainly appreciate how awesome of an opportunity this is for him. Aside from the $$ though, and the chance to play with a legend, I just don't see the creative satisfaction this will offer. Who knows? Maybe Ozzy will give him full riegn to write all the music. I would be surprised, but you never know.
I agree that FW may get some exposure. I never said they wouldn't. I seriously doubt though that they will be a major commercial success, as some are suggesting.
Jasonic
Doom On!
Ok....fine....
So, let me ask you all this, since many are getting defensive.
What do you want to see happen out of this for Firewind?
I think we are all in agreement that we are happy for Gus, in that he will gain some exposure as a talented guitarist. Also, he will benefit financially, which is more than well deserved.
Let's discuss Firewind specifically.
Is anyone hoping for mass mainstream acceptance?
Or, simply, just hoping that Firewind could gain some recognition so they could tour more regularly, sell more CDs, etc.....
I hate to use the DragonForce example here, but I have to......
I have said it before.
It wasn't even 5 years ago when DF were on MANY people's wishlist for Prog Power.
They made very little change to their sound.
In all honesty, I think their newest is FAR superior to Inhuman Rampage.
Their success though has also lost them many fans, who I think have no reason to no longer be a fan, considering they haven't compromised their musicianship at all.
So, what I am getting at here is, if Firewind blows up by some chance, would you still be a fan?
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