In a recent appearance on the Everblack podcast, former Fear Factory frontman Burton C. Bell shared memories of opening for Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath — and why he won’t be at their final show this July in Birmingham, U.K.
"Unfortunately, no. I couldn't afford to go. But I wish I could be there. It's gonna be fantastic," Bell said.
Reflecting on past experiences with Ozzy, Bell recalled:
“I was on a magazine cover twice with Ozzy, and I've got both of 'em here (at my house). One of 'em is signed by Ozzy, which is killer. I remember the first time, very first Black Sabbath reunion, Fear Factory was the only opening band. It was '99 in Birmingham at the NEC... I remember standing while Black Sabbath was playing... I'm standing next to this tall dude. I'm, like, looking up. I'm, like, 'It's fucking Brian May (of Queen). Holy fuck. I'm standing next to Brian May. Holy fuck.'"
Bell described touring with Ozzy during the "Retirement Sucks" tour in 1996 as a tough but memorable experience.
“We did three months throughout the United States and Europe. And Europe was fucking tough... they didn't wanna see us. They just wanted to see Ozzy... I'm in the front singing, just (with my middle finger extended). And after every one of our shows, they just threw shrapnel up — coins. And I collected enough coins to buy a beer. It was worth it. I got spat on a lot."
After leaving Fear Factory in 2020, Bell has slowly reemerged musically. The artist played his first solo show on June 13, 2024, at 1720 in Los Angeles. He released two solo singles in 2024 — Anti-Droid and Technical Exorcism — following a 2023 cover of Rammstein's "Du Hast." His next single "Savages" is expected later this spring.
