Billy Morrison is a busy guy. Between dropping the deluxe edition of Gods of Rock ‘n’ Roll, working with legends like Ozzy Osbourne and Steve Stevens, and prepping for a world tour with Billy Idol, he’s got a lot on his plate. But Morrison isn’t just about grinding—he’s about making music the right way. We caught up to talk about the new record, his friendship with Ozzy, and why vinyl is still king.
The Deluxe Edition—Bigger, Better, and Loaded with Extras
If you’re a vinyl junkie like me, you’ll love this—Morrison is all in on the physical release of Gods of Rock ‘n’ Roll. “I love vinyl,” he told me. “I grew up flipping through records, checking out gatefold sleeves, colored vinyl—all of it.” So naturally, the deluxe version of the album is packed with extras, including a double LP gatefold with completely different artwork on blue and white vinyl.
And that’s not all. Morrison also threw in remixes (including one by Youth from Killing Joke) and an unreleased track with Cypress Hill that didn’t make the original cut. “Getting the green light to do a deluxe edition is like a free pass to have extra fun with a record that was already successful,” he said.
Even cooler? He’s supporting independent record stores by sending out limited-edition 12-inch singles—so if you grab the deluxe edition at one of 60 stores across the country, you’ll get an exclusive Cypress Hill and Run DMC mashup single for free.
Billy Morrison's Friendship with Ozzy, and the Making of a Rock Anthem
Let’s be real—if you’ve got Ozzy on your track, people are going to pay attention. Gods of Rock ‘n’ Roll is more than just another Ozzy feature, though. It’s a massive song with real crossover appeal.
“This song is a ballad for the ages,” Morrison said. “Everyone loves Ozzy, but not everyone loves metal or hard rock. This song transcends all that—it just hits.”
And if you think it ends too soon? Morrison hears you. “We actually had to shorten it for radio. If you want the full version, go grab it on iTunes or Spotify,” he laughed.
The song was originally written a decade ago by Morrison and Ozzy, but it wasn’t until recently that he decided to go all in. “I can play lead guitar, but I wanted incredible lead guitar,” Morrison said. Enter Steve Stevens, who absolutely rips on this track.
Then there’s Fred Coury—yes, that Fred Coury from Cinderella, who apparently does way more than just play drums. “I had no idea he orchestrates 60-piece orchestras,” Morrison admitted. But when he found out, he made the call, got a choir involved, and went all in to create something huge. “We threw everything at this song to make it as massive as possible.”
The Ozzy Factor—More Than Just Music
When you’ve got a friendship with one of the most legendary frontmen in rock history, it’s gotta be surreal, right? But for Morrison, Ozzy isn’t just the Prince of Darkness—he’s his best friend.
“The first time we talked, it wasn’t about Black Sabbath or Ozzy Osbourne or even Billy Idol,” Morrison said. “We talked about missing English candy and where we went on vacation as kids.”
That’s why when Ozzy says yes to a song, it means something. “Sharon [Osbourne] manages his brand, so I don’t push anything,” he explained. “But when the song is right, like Gods of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Sharon gives the green light. That’s why Ozzy has done two amazing videos with me.”
Morrison also revealed that there are more songs he and Ozzy have written that might never see the light of day. “Who knows? Who cares?” he shrugged. “Our friendship goes beyond that.”
Missing the Black Sabbath Tribute Show & Gearing Up for a Billy Idol Tour
One thing Morrison won’t be doing? Attending the Black Sabbath tribute show. Not by choice, though. “I’m playing in Austria that night,” he said, clearly bummed out about it. “Sharon even invited Billy Idol to be part of it, but we already had a gig booked.”
Speaking of Billy Idol, Morrison says his new album is spectacular and that he’s lucky to be touring the world in support of it. “No rest for the wicked around here,” he joked.
Rock & Roll, Football, and Famous Morrisons
Before wrapping up, I hit Morrison with a quick game of “Famous Morrisons,” and he nailed two out of three. Jim Morrison? Easy. John Wayne (real name: Marion Morrison)? No problem. But a Michigan hockey player from the ‘90s? Yeah, not his thing.
“I’m an NFL guy,” he admitted. And if you’re wondering where his loyalty lies, he’s got three teams: the Rams (because he lives in L.A.), the Raiders (lifelong fan, even though, as he put it, “we have a janitor as a quarterback right now”), and the Chiefs (pre-Taylor Swift, he made sure to clarify).
Oh, and Nita Strauss? Turns out Morrison’s a fan but hasn’t met her yet. “She’s an amazing guitarist. Maybe we’ll get her on the next album,” he said.
Get the Vinyl, Crank Up the Ozzy, and Support Your Local Record Store
With Gods of Rock ‘n’ Roll out now and a double vinyl deluxe edition dropping March 7th, Morrison is keeping the rock & roll machine rolling. “Support independent record stores,” he said. “And if you love vinyl, grab the deluxe edition—it’s packed with everything we wanted to put out there.”
And for those of us in Detroit? There’s at least one shop on the list getting that limited-edition 12-inch single. So go dig through the crates and pick up a piece of rock history.
Billy Morrison’s deluxe edition of Gods of Rock ‘n’ Roll is out now. The double vinyl edition drops on March 7th.
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