The Time Anthrax Covered Sabbath Bloody Sabbath And Gained Ozzy Osbourne’S Approval

March 21, 2025

It was a chilly evening in early 1990 when the members of Anthrax gathered in their rehearsal studio, a small space filled with posters of their musical heroes and the hum of electric guitars. They’d been working on a fresh album, and amidst their original tracks, they decided to tackle a classic – “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” by the legendary Black Sabbath. The song, known for its heavy riffs and haunting lyrics, was an ambitious choice, and the band felt a mix of excitement and nerves as they began to jam. Little did they know that this cover would lead them on an unforgettable journey and earn them the admiration of one of their greatest inspirations: Ozzy Osbourne.

As they played, each member poured their heart and soul into the music. Their drummer, Charlie, pushed the beat with relentless energy, while Scott and Frank traded scorching guitar solos. Joey’s voice rang out, channeling the spirit of Ozzy himself, yet adding a unique Anthrax twist. The atmosphere crackled with passion, and for a moment, the world outside faded away. Covering such an iconic band felt like stepping into a lion’s den, but they were determined to honor Black Sabbath while infusing their own heavy thrash sound into the mix.

After weeks of hard work, the day came to record the track. They set up their equipment and pressed record, and in a whirlwind of riffs and rhythms, they captured the energy of their passion. Once the recording was complete, the band decided to send a demo of their version to Ozzy, hoping against hope that he would listen and appreciate their tribute. The mere thought of Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness, hearing their music was electrifying but also terrifying.

A few weeks later, the phone rang in Anthrax’s studio. It was a surreal moment when their manager revealed that Ozzy had not only heard the cover but wanted to meet them. Excitement surged through the band; they could hardly believe it. When they finally met Ozzy, he greeted them with a genuine smile and, to their amazement, complimented their version of “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.” He admired how they infused their own style while staying true to the essence of the original. Hearing those words from Ozzy was like receiving an award; the validation from a rock legend ignited a flame within them.

Ozzy’s approval opened new doors for Anthrax. They gained an even larger following, and fans of Black Sabbath began to take notice of their music. They toured extensively and received more invitations to collaborate with other great bands. But more than anything, the encounter with Ozzy became a symbol of their resilience and dedication. It taught them that passion, hard work, and staying true to their music could lead to incredible opportunities. The moment was a reminder that anyone could achieve their dreams with enough determination and creativity.

Years later, as Anthrax found themselves on stage performing to a massive crowd, they often reflected on that pivotal moment with Ozzy. It was a reminder of their roots, their struggles, and their dreams. Music had the power to connect people, to inspire, and to push limits. They had taken a chance on a classic song, and it had changed their lives forever. The love for music persisted, growing stronger with every note they played, as they continued to inspire a new generation of musicians to embrace their passions and fearlessly chase their dreams.