Corey Taylor recently shared how Jack Osbourne played a crucial role in Slipknot’s breakthrough. He addressed the often-overlooked influence behind the band’s early success in a statement shared on Loudwire.
Jack Osbourne’s enthusiasm for the band led to their appearance at Ozzfest ’99. This pivotal moment changed everything for Slipknot. During that tour, Taylor also had a memorable encounter with Ozzy Osbourne himself.
“The first time I met Ozzy Osbourne, he made my life,” Taylor recalled. “I was sitting at a table at Ozzfest ’99 with Sharon and Jack Osbourne, and a couple of the other guys in the band. Jack was really the whole reason that we were on Ozzfest ’99. He was a huge fan and talked to his mom into bringing us on. Without that tour, we wouldn’t have been able to do what we’ve been able to do.”
An unexpected moment occurred when Ozzy himself approached the group. “Out of nowhere, here comes Ozzy,” Taylor said. “He’s like, ‘Sharon, I need help with this.’ And she introduced us. Ozzy goes, ‘Oh, you’re in Slipknot? There’s nine people, right?’ He’s like, ‘I want to be number 10.’ And he gave me a huge hug and it was like being baptized and knighted, all at the same time.”
The encounter had a profound impact on Taylor. “This is a guy that I have looked up to and listened to my whole life,” he said. “For him to give me that moment, and he didn’t really have to, was huge. I have never forgotten it.”
This encounter between Slipknot and the Osbourne family represents a significant moment in metal history that often goes unrecognized. Jack Osbourne’s genuine fandom for Slipknot was instrumental in getting the Iowa group onto the Ozzfest bill in 1999, as noted by Far Out Magazine. This decision would reshape the band’s trajectory in the metal scene.
Slipknot’s career was transformed by the Ozzfest 1999 appearance. Louder Sound documented how this performance marked a turning point in the band’s rise to prominence. The exposure and credibility provided by this opportunity established them as major players in the metal world. Without this chance, Slipknot’s path to international success would have been significantly different.
Ozzy’s personal endorsement made the moment even more memorable. Metal Sucks reported that Ozzy Osbourne jokingly expressed his desire to become the 10th member of Slipknot. This humorous yet meaningful gesture symbolized the legendary rocker’s respect and admiration for the emerging band. The lighthearted comment from one of metal’s greatest icons carried significant weight for Taylor and the band.
Jack’s fandom, Sharon’s influence, and Ozzy’s personal blessing converged to create powerful support for Slipknot. This combination propelled the band forward at a critical moment in their career. Taylor’s recollection of this period underscores how pivotal moments and influential figures shaped not just Slipknot’s trajectory, but also demonstrated the interconnected nature of the metal community. The Osbourne family’s role in championing Slipknot remains a testament to how genuine passion for music can open doors and create opportunities that define careers.
