**Robert Trujillo on Joining Ozzy Osbourne’s Band: “It Changed My Life”**
Before he was Metallica’s thunderous backbone, Robert Trujillo took a wild ride through the world of heavy music — from punk-fueled chaos with Suicidal Tendencies to the electrifying madness of Ozzy Osbourne’s touring band. In a candid reflection, Trujillo shared how one phone call changed everything.
“In the late ’90s, I got a call from Mike Bordin, Ozzy’s drummer and a good friend of mine from the Faith No More days,” Trujillo recalled. “They were looking for a new bass player, and Mike threw my name out there. Next thing I knew, I was in a room with Ozzy, jamming. I’ll never forget it.”
Trujillo, already known for his ferocious stage presence and jaw-dropping bass chops, found himself thrown into the deep end of rock royalty. “Ozzy was so welcoming. He cracked jokes constantly, but he also took the music seriously. The vibe was intense but fun — unpredictable in the best way.”
From the start, the chemistry was undeniable. Trujillo toured extensively with Ozzy, performing massive shows around the globe and contributing to live recordings. “Playing with Ozzy taught me how to deliver every night,” he said. “Not just technically — emotionally. He gave everything to the audience, and expected the same from us.”
It wasn’t just a gig; it was an education. “Ozzy helped shape me as a performer. He sharpened my instincts. He made me bolder.”
That experience laid the groundwork for Trujillo’s next chapter — when he joined Metallica in 2003, stepping into the spotlight as part of the biggest metal band on Earth.
“Ozzy gave me the confidence to take that leap,” Trujillo said. “And I’ll always be grateful. That time in my life was pure fire.”
For Robert Trujillo, the road to Metallica ran straight through the storm — and
Ozzy lit the way.
