At the onset of the 1990s, heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne found himself facing significant challenges, which made him particularly receptive to any positive interactions. In a recent interview with Metal Hammer, Mike Bordin, the drummer for Faith No More, reminisces about his first encounter with the legendary Prince of Darkness, describing it as both encouraging and “incredible.” This meeting not only highlighted the camaraderie within the metal community but also underscored the impact of connecting with someone who has profoundly influenced the genre.

Memorable Insights from Mike Bordin’s Encounter with Ozzy

In the latest edition of Metal Hammer, Bordin shares his reflections on his inaugural meeting with Osbourne, which took place in 1990. At that time, Faith No More had just launched their groundbreaking album, 1989’s The Real Thing, which featured the iconic single “Epic.” As reported by Metal Hammer, the band was recognized as ‘Band of the Year’ by RIP Magazine and was invited to a star-studded awards event in Los Angeles, where they performed a brief set that was eagerly anticipated by fans and peers alike.

The event, documented by Revolver, took place at the Hollywood Palladium on November 9, 1990, celebrating the magazine’s fourth anniversary. According to setlist.fm, Faith No More’s performance included a total of 16 songs, prominently featuring “Epic” alongside Young MC. However, the highlight of their set was their rendition of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs,” a classic from the 1970 album Paranoid, which included two remarkable guest performances.

“We couldn’t believe it!” Bordin exclaimed to Metal Hammer. “We got up and played with [James] Hetfield and Ozzy, and it was incredible.” This collaboration not only showcased the talent of the artists involved but also exemplified the unity and passion that defines the metal genre.

You can view footage of this extraordinary collaboration below:

While sharing the stage with the Metallica frontman was undoubtedly a thrilling experience, it was the chance to meet and jam with Ozzy that left a lasting impression on Bordin.

After their performance, Metal Hammer notes that Faith No More attended a glamorous Hollywood party filled with renowned rock and metal icons. Bordin recalls sitting in a quiet corner, attempting to unwind, when Ozzy approached him and posed a surprising question: “Why did you guys do ‘War Pigs’ on the album? Are you taking the piss?’”

This inquiry referred to Faith No More’s cover of the iconic track on The Real Thing, and it caught Bordin completely off guard. “It was the last thing I’d ever think someone responsible for such iconic music might say,” he admitted to Metal Hammer.

Bordin further elaborated:

“He’d been through some rough times and looked so sad, man. I launched into this long story about how when I was young, my mom committed suicide, and I didn’t have much of a family… My life transformed when I discovered Black Sabbath’s music. It wasn’t about pleasant themes; rather, it was powerful, dark, and conveyed the message that you’re not alone. So I expressed to him, ‘You saved my life.’ It really hit him hard. I felt it was essential to tell him what his music meant to me.”

As noted by Metal Hammer, Bordin and Ozzy later shared a performance bill in South America, and in 1996, Bordin joined Ozzy’s band as the new drummer. He toured extensively with him over the subsequent decade, contributing his drumming skills to 2001’s Down To Earth and 2007’s Black Rain. Furthermore, Bordin played on Live at Budokan in 2002, participated in re-recordings of Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman, and was involved in 2005’s Under Cover.

READ MORE: Ozzy + The Bat – What Really Happened?

Latest Developments in the World of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath

As many metal enthusiasts are already aware, the original lineup of Black Sabbath—comprising Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—is set to reunite for the highly anticipated Back to the Beginning concert on Saturday, July 5, at the Villa Park in Birmingham, England, their hometown.

The event will also showcase performances from numerous standout artists, including Metallica, Pantera, Tool, Mastodon, Alice in Chains, Gojira, Halestorm, and Slayer. Unfortunately, Wolfgang Van Halen had to withdraw from the lineup due to prior commitments related to supporting Creed on their upcoming tour.

Tickets for this monumental event sold out rapidly, but fans still have the chance to watch the livestream of the concert. Be sure to check out the official trailer, and you can also view the first reunion rehearsal photo featuring Bill Ward.

In recent news, Ozzy has expressed that, despite not being particularly fond of doing duets, he would absolutely cherish the opportunity to collaborate with one of his greatest idols, Paul McCartney, a legend of The Beatles.

Are you planning to watch or even attend the Black Sabbath Back to the Beginning concert? We’d love to hear your thoughts!