British-born guitarist Billy Morrison is a rocker from LA. He was previously a member of the Cult and is now playing for Billy Idol. Next month, he will release his third solo album, “The Morrison Project”, which features collaborations with artists such as Billy Idol, DMC, Al Jourgensen, Steve Vai, and Linda Perry.
On March 22, 2024, Morrison released the new single “Crack Cocaine,” featuring vocals from Ozzy Osbourne. While the title may lead to certain assumptions, Billy Morrison explains that the song is more complex than that:
“The song is not about crack cocaine, it’s about being in love with a woman. But it’s also very much in line with what you would expect from Ozzy Osbourne. It’s about the two loves in my life: drugs and women.”
The musicians say that the song came together naturally, with both Morrison and Osbourne writing it in less than half an hour. They were so pleased with the result that they decided to feature it on Morrison’s upcoming album. The song, like the rest of Morrison’s album, was created almost by accident.
Billy Morrison explains:
“During COVID, I was making music for no reason at all. I had written a few songs with Ozzy that may never see the light of day, and I’m okay with that. I’m not trying to be Ozzy’s songwriter. We were just messing around with some drop-tuned guitars and within seconds, we had the basic structure. I looked at Steve Stevens and said, ‘Well, you know who I’m going to call?’ ‘Yeah, you’re going to call Ozzy.’ But Ozzy’s manager and wife, Sharon, suggested that we release the song as a single, do a music video and press for it. It was a very generous offer, and it didn’t make sense to release it on its own, so I added some other songs I had written during COVID and got some more friends involved to create this album.”
Morrison, who has been friends with Ozzy for 30 years, expresses frustration over the health issues that Ozzy has faced, as his voice is still as strong as ever. Morrison gave Osbourne the title “Crack Cocaine,” and Osbourne wrote the lyrics on the spot.
Morrison adds:
“I think we both respond to a good, undeniable riff. He comes from working with Tony Iommi from Black Sabbath, who is the king of the riff, and I come from the Sex Pistols and AC/DC, and Ozzy loves both of those bands. Once Ozzy hears a great riff, he just starts singing.”
The idea for the music video, which features Paris Jackson as an obsessed ex-girlfriend and actor-singer Jeff Hilliard as an unstable, homeless addict, came from Morrison’s girlfriend. However, the focus of the video is on celebrating Osbourne, with footage of him throughout the years playing behind him as he sings in his home’s movie theater. In one shot, you can even see a water tower with “Ozzy” written on it.
Osbourne has been off the road since 2019 after a fall in the middle of the night resulted in a spinal injury and multiple surgeries. He has been undergoing physical therapy to get back into performance shape.
Morrison says about Ozzy’s video appearance:
“Everyone loves to report on how frail he looks, but that’s just not true. I know he looks powerful, magnificent, and still as vital as we all want him to be, and that’s what I wanted to show.”
Steve Stevens adds:
“Billy and I have been working together in Billy Idol for 16 years, so we have a telepathic connection when it comes to arranging guitars. Billy and Ozzy have an amazing friendship, so it was easy to feel inspired and want to help them achieve any idea I could assist with. We recorded the song in my home studio, and I tried to make the process as seamless as possible. Forget about the technical aspects and just have fun.”
“Crack Cocaine” is the first new Ozzy Osbourne vocal since he released the 2022 solo album Patient Number 9. Last year, he retired from touring because of his declining health. Right now, he’s nominated for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame as a solo artist.
Billy Morrison will release “The Morrison Project” on April 19, 2024, via The Label Group/Virgin Music Group.
The official music video for “Crack Cocaine”, featuring Osbourne and Stevens, with Clufetos on drums, and featuring appearances from Paris Jackson, RISK, and Jeff Hilliard, can be seen below:
