Ozzy Osbourne enlisted some big talent for the title track of his first solo album in a decade, Ordinary Man.
Elton John plays piano (and sings a verse) and Slash adds his guitar on the song. Osbourne is backed by Duff McKagan of Guns N’ Roses and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith.
“It all just came together,” Osbourne explained, in a release. "Slash is a dear friend of mine, as is Elton. When I was writing 'Ordinary Man,' it reminded me of an old Elton song and I said to Sharon, 'I wonder if he would sing on it?' We asked and lo and behold, he agreed.”
Osbourne, 71, appears to be singing to his longtime wife.
“Yes I’ve been a bad guy / Been higher than the blue sky / And the truth is I don’t wanna die an ordinary man,” he sings. “I made momma cry / Don’t know why I’m still alive / Yes the truth is I don’t wanna die an ordinary man.”
John, 72, adds: “Many times I lost control / They tried to kill my rock n roll / Just remember I’m still here for you.”
Osbourne is scheduled to tour this summer with Marilyn Manson, with stops in Montreal on June 16, Hamilton on June 18, Edmonton on July 7 and Vancouver on July 9.
Ordinary Man, out Feb. 21, also features Post Malone and Tom Morello.
Listen to “Ordinary Man” below: