A question-and-answer session with Ozzy about his latest nominations follows.

Q: How does it feel to have received four nominations for the new album?

Ozzy: “I’m honestly overwhelmed. Making this record was a great way to me to get back to work as I continued to heal. It’s pretty great to be acknowledged at this point in my career.”

Q: Between the pandemic and you going through your surgeries, do you think that contributed to making another record so quickly?

Ozzy: “Well, the thing was I had all this time — we all did through the pandemic. Instead of lying there and just doing my physical therapy, the record actually got me doing something that I love.”

Q: What was your mindset when you were writing and recording the album?

Ozzy: “I was thinking about the times we’ve been living in. There wasn’t much good news. It was a fucking war in Ukraine and the pandemic. The world seemed to be on the brink of a bad thing.”

Q: How do you feel at this point in your career having the kind of notoriety you’ve achieved with this album?

Ozzy: “The business forever surprises me. It’s never a safe bet. I’ve done things in the past where I tell myself ‘this is going to be a hit.’ Then it’s gone down the shitter and other things I’ve done… It’s done the opposite. I’m very cheered up by the support.”

Q: The interesting thing about the album is it features top musicians, including some old friends.

Ozzy: “Oh yeah. I mean the guitars are Tony (Iommi), Zakk (Wylde), Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck‘s fucking phenomenal work, plus Robert Trujillo on bass. It’s turned out better than I ever expected. And having Taylor Hawkins with me in the studio like a week or two before he died was amazing. To think he’s gone breaks my heart.”

Q: It must be special that “Degradation Rules” which features Tony Iommi, was nominated for a Grammy.

Ozzy: “Such great news. I mean, that song would’ve made a great BLACK SABBATH track. It’s a very well-structured song. I’ve known Tony since I was 12 years old and I’m glad to say we’ve continued a really good friendship. Tony‘s been very supportive of me while I’ve been recovering from surgery. He’s been in constant contact, which has been great.”

Q: What’s the collaboration like with producer Andrew Watt?

Ozzy: “He’s a lot better than most producers at collaboration. The fact that he plays guitar, and I don’t, and he works with machines and I don’t, makes it easier. It’s just great working with him. We end up arguing a bit with… sometimes, but not a lot.”