Review: Ozzy Osbourne at the Scottrade Center, Friday, January 14

By Annie Zaleski Sat., Jan. 15 2011 at 10:35 AM

Todd Owyoung

Ozzy Osbourne last night at the Scottrade Center

"The crazier you fuckers go, the longer we will play," Ozzy Osbourne crowed to the audience at the start of last night's Scottrade Center show. While a statement like that is always tinged with hyperbole, there was an element of truth to it: Last night's gig, a make-up date from Ozzy's canceled December show, didn't skimp on tunes or time.

View a slideshow of photos from Ozzy Osbourne at the Scottrade Center

The career-spanning set touched on all eras of Ozzy's catalog, and included a generous selection of 1980's Blizzard of Ozz ("Mr. Crowley," "Suicide Solution," "Crazy Train"). Things were hit and miss: The slow-burning "Road to Nowhere" and fist-pumping "I Don't Want to Change the World" (both from 1991's No More Tears) succeeded; so did the spooky, late-'80s pop-metal snarl "Fire In the Sky." Sabbath's "Iron Man" was shaky and teetering on off-key, although "Fairies Wear Boots" was solid and appropriately sludgy. "Let Me Hear You Scream," from last year's Ozzy solo album, Scream, wasn't bad - it just sounded calibrated for rock radio in the modern era. (In other words: lowest common denominator.)

Todd Owyoung

Gus G

Osbourne wisely surrounds himself with talented players; in a sense, they comprise the best Black Sabbath tribute band around. Long-haired, stoic keyboardist/guitarist Adam Wakeman - son of Yes' Rick - stood in the back and coaxed out funeral organ, prog wizardry and other synth flourishes. Guitarist Gus G., all flash and wind-blown hair - seriously, he had an industrial fan onstage to achieve the perfect rock-god look - handled the heavy riffage with ease. Bassist Rob "Blasko" Nicholson and drummer Tommy Cluefetos, meanwhile, have both spent time playing with Rob Zombie, which kept the music sounding fresh. But while Cluefotos held the music together, his style - based on hardcore-esque speed and muscular metal - felt like an odd fit on some of the slower, sludgier tunes. He never quite found the seedy groove needed to give some of the Sabbath material its evil sheen.

Still, hearing Sabbath tunes played live- including the 40-year-old-plus tune "N.I.B." and comfort food such as "War Pigs" - never gets old. And the setlist didn't just stick to the better-known side of Ozzy's catalog, which was impressive. In that sense, it was a pleasure to remember just how influential he's been. (For instance, Poison's "Nothin' But a Good Time" is a complete rip-off of "Flying High Again.")

Location Info

Venue

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Scottrade Center

1401 Clark Ave., St. Louis, MO

Category: General

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2011, black sabbath, ozzy osbourne, photos, review, scottrade center, setlist

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Bikeit4ever

Not sure what the writer meant by the reference to Poison's "Nothin But A Good Time" is a complete rip-off of "Flying High Again". I don't think those two songs sound anything alike.

CraigHlavaty

"It's somewhat reassuring that the lovable Grandpa Simpson of metal is still shuffling around onstage, spraying the audience with a foam hose, mugging like Dr. Frankenstein, making zombie faces and hopping up and down at the mic stand like an excited kid. It's a marvel to hear that cheerfully indecipherable speaking voice suddenly morph into a copper-plated bellow." AWESOME. Can't wait for the Houston show.

mary

Ozzy was great; guitar playing, while good (the solo sounded like a EVanHalen wannabe) was nowhere near up to par on Ozzy's catalog; nice to hear the older Sabbath tunes (NIB,etc) not just the standards. Anyone notice all the empty seats???? Note to ticket vendors: cheaper tickets fill the house. I have never been to an A list performer with that many vacancies. Sad. Special highpriced ticket holders were ganked of the extras promised. Would have been nice to see the screen...totally blocked in the higher seats on the side. Scottrade is a crappy venue...will have to be second coming of Jesus before I hand them anymore money. And for the guy who stole that hat belonging to the other guy and watching him get kicked out of show...shame on you!! Karma will get you some day.

Jewels579

i was there im in the 10th pic (girl in the white shirt).i was so happy when i blew a kiss at OZZY and he blew one back at me! he knew i was there and thats all that mattered to me!!!!

Autowheelpart

WAWA! IS VERY COOL !

investment casting

Bobandweaver

Im pretty sure he played I dont know in between Fire in the Sky and Killer of Giants

Bobandweaver

nevermind no he didnt

Still love to Rok!

I'm 53 years old, and have seem many a concert in St. Louis over the years and I gotta tell ya....he certainly takes command of a stage and an audience much differently than the addled old dude he plays out on t/v as. I think we witnessed an icon last night....and if you take him for what he is..........his show was spectacular.