630. Ozzy Osbourne / Just Say Ozzy. 1990. 4/5

Ozzy's previous studio album, No Rest For the Wicked had introduced his new guitarist with his own unique style and sound, Zakk Wylde. On the tour that followed the band was joined by Ozzy's former Black Sabbath bandmate, Geezer Butler, on bass, while the wonderful Randy Castillo retained his position on the drumstool. With such a barnstorming foursome, the live shows on the tour were out of this world, with all of the songs having both Geezer and Zakk putting their own special touches on them. As a moment in time, it was perfect that these live performances be captured and recorded.

Here then is the result, the EP Just Say Ozzy.Many critics believe it is too short, and that a full live set should have been released. That is possibly true, but coming so close on the heels of the Randy Rhoads Tribute live release, it was perhaps seen as too much too soon. This would be rectified a few years later with the Live & Loud album.
My opinion is that this was just perfect at the time. As an EP, it still runs at thirty minutes, which in the days when normal vinyl LP's would run at around 45 to 50 minutes was pretty good. It contains three songs from the No Rest For the Wicked album, the excellent "Miracle Man", the surprising "Bloodbath in Paradise", and the floor leveling "Tattooed Dancer", where Zakk Wylde just smokes. There is also a great version of "Shot in the Dark" from The Ultimate Sin album. Topping off the album, no doubt inspired by Geezer's presence on tour, the band play two Black Sabbath classics, "Sweet Leaf" and "War Pigs". Awesome stuff.

On its release this was an excellent lay over between albums, and showed that Zakk Wylde could perform live the way he had recorded in the studio, and that Geezer Butler was still an absolute legend. As a piece of history, it still holds its place.