Grammy-winning producer Andrew Watt has shared details of his close friendship with Ozzy Osbourne, revealing their daily conversations continued right up to the day before the music icon's death. In a recent interview, Watt reflected on their collaboration, Osbourne's sharp musical instincts, and the profound impact he had on his life and career.
Key Takeaways
- Producer Andrew Watt and Ozzy Osbourne spoke on the phone every day for six and a half years.
- Watt stated that Osbourne seemed completely "normal" the day before he passed away from a heart attack in July.
- Osbourne is credited by Watt for launching his career as a serious album producer, leading to work with artists like The Rolling Stones.
- A key lesson Osbourne taught Watt was the importance of bass in a rock mix, citing Led Zeppelin as an example.
- Creating the albums "Ordinary Man" and "Patient Number 9" served as a form of therapy for Osbourne during his recovery from a major fall.
A Deep Friendship Forged in Music
For over six years, a daily phone call was a constant in Andrew Watt's life. On the other end of the line was Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary metal frontman with whom Watt had developed a deeply personal and creative bond. This routine continued until the very end. "Everything was normal," Watt said, describing their final conversation the day before Osbourne's sudden passing.
The news of Osbourne's death came as a "giant shock" to the producer, who had become a trusted collaborator and friend. Their relationship went far beyond the studio, becoming a cornerstone of Watt's personal and professional life. The loss, he explained, feels like losing a member of his own family.
"He saw me in a way that I did not see myself," Watt shared. "If you talk to anyone that loves him or was lucky enough to be loved by him, that’s a constant thing. He could see you in your good, your bad... he was witchy like that."
The Final Albums: A Healing Process
Watt's journey with Osbourne began during a challenging period for the singer. The collaboration on the albums Ordinary Man (2020) and Patient Number 9 (2022) took place while Osbourne was recuperating from a serious fall at his home. For Watt, the experience transformed his understanding of music's power.
"It was the first time that I was ever making music where I realized that music was something bigger than just making songs," Watt explained. "It was giving him a purpose when he didn’t feel well and making him feel great and laugh and sing and dance and heal."
A Catalyst for Creativity
The two albums produced by Watt marked a significant creative resurgence for Ozzy Osbourne in the final years of his life. They received critical acclaim and featured an array of guest musicians, re-establishing Osbourne's relevance for a new generation while honoring his iconic status.
These recording sessions were not just about creating records; they were about providing a lifeline. The studio became a sanctuary where Osbourne could channel his energy into his art, finding strength and joy despite his physical ailments. This period solidified a partnership that would redefine the final chapter of Osbourne's career.
Osbourne's Impact on a Producer's Career
Before working with Osbourne, Andrew Watt was a successful songwriter and musician but had not yet established himself as a full-fledged album producer. He credits Osbourne with seeing that potential in him. "He saw me as a serious album producer," Watt stated. "He gave me the confidence, and he taught me so much."
This collaboration became a turning point. The success of Osbourne's albums opened doors for Watt to work with other legendary acts, including The Rolling Stones and Lady Gaga. According to Watt, Osbourne's belief in him was the catalyst. "Those two albums... are the reason why I’m here talking to you today. It changed everything for me."
A Legacy of Mentorship
Ozzy Osbourne's influence extended beyond his own music. Throughout his career, he was known for identifying and collaborating with exceptional guitarists, from Randy Rhoads to Zakk Wylde. His partnership with Andrew Watt demonstrates that his eye for talent continued into his final years, shaping the future of music production.
The Final Concert and Lasting Memories
Watt also recalled the atmosphere at the "Back to the Beginning" tribute concert in Birmingham, which took place shortly before Osbourne's death. He described the event as feeling like a "heavy metal summer camp," a joyful reunion of people from every era of Osbourne's life. The event featured a notable reunion between Osbourne and guitarist Jake E. Lee, who hadn't seen each other in 30 years.
The night before the show, Watt spent hours with Ozzy in his hotel room, talking and sharing a meal. These final, quiet moments stand in stark contrast to the public persona of the Prince of Darkness. More than anything, Watt said he will miss the private side of his friend. "Fuck, man, more than anything, I miss the laughter," he shared. "He’s the funniest person ever of all time."
Lessons from a Master of Rock
Osbourne's contributions in the studio were not passive. Watt emphasized his sharp intellect and incredible ears, honed by over 55 years of making music at the highest level. "He’s one of the smartest people I have ever met, and a history buff, and a genius, a literal genius," Watt said. "His persona was [just] persona. He was incredibly brilliant, incredibly sharp."
The Secret to a Heavy Mix
One of the most specific lessons Osbourne imparted was about mixing rock music. Watt recalled a pivotal conversation:
"He would always say to me, ‘Listen to Led Zeppelin and tell me what the loudest thing is.’ And me, having my confidence, I’d be like, ‘It’s the drums. John Bonham.’ He said, ‘Nope, not the drums.’ He said, ‘It’s the bass.’"
Osbourne explained that the bass is the bridge between the drums and guitars, providing the true weight and rhythm in a rock song. "He was very bass-focused, mix-wise," Watt confirmed. "And if you listen to the records that we made together, there’s a lot of bass on those records." This attention to detail was a hallmark of Osbourne's involvement, as he cared deeply about every aspect of the final product.
When asked about the possibility of unreleased music from their sessions, Watt paused before stating, "I can’t talk about that!" leaving the door open to the possibility of future posthumous releases for Osbourne's millions of fans.