Is Ozzy Osbourne debuting new guitarist Gus G at BlizzCon?

Earlier today, it was announced that Ozzy Osbourne would debut his new guitarist, Gus G, at the BlizzCon convention in Anaheim, California tomorrow (22 August).

The information was posted on the Randall Amplifier Facebook page, in which the following was written about the company's endorsee:

"Randall Amplifiers is getting ready to watch signature Randall artist Gus G. make his debut as the new guitarist for Ozzy this Saturday, August 22nd. The concert will take place at the Blizzcon convention and be available on DIRECTV pay-per-view. Watch him play his signature Heaven and Hell half stack!"

OK, maybe not

Within hours, however, the posting was pulled with no explanation given. MusicRadar contacted Randall and spoke to a company rep who said, "We can't say anything about this right now. We'll be able to talk about it next week."

A spokesperson for Ozzy Osbourne was equally in the dark: "At this point, we know Ozzy is playing BlizzCon. Who is playing guitar with him, we really can't say. Whether it's Zakk Wylde or Gus G...we're still waiting to hear."

Ozzy needs a change

Problems between Osbourne and Zakk Wylde became known last month when, during an interview with Classic Rock magazine, the singer said that he was on the hunt for a new guitarist.

"I haven't fallen out with Zakk," he said, "but Zakk's got his own band, and I felt like my stuff was beginning to sound like [Wylde's band] Black Label Society. I just felt like I wanted a change, y'know?"

Osbourne indicated that he was auditioning a guitarist from Greece, but refused to give his identity. Rumors spread quickly that Osbourne was referring to 28-year-old Gus G from the band Firewind.

All of which startled Zakk Wylde, who nonetheless downplayed the situation in a Tweet: "I'm doing BlizzCon with [Ozzy] in August and supposed to finish up the [new Ozzy] CD in September. This is news to me. I haven't heard anything about this. Until I talk to the Boss, I don't know. I love Ozzy."

Zakk gets wild

Two weeks later, that love began to sour. During an interview with a Eugene, Orgenon radio station, Wylde tore into Osbourne. "I've gotta be honest with you. The boss hasn't even given me a phone call," he said. "I don't know what's going on over there. Are we doing this thing or are we not doing it?

"I mean, it's like, dude, you don't wanna play with me anymore? Fine. Play with whoever the hell you wanna play with. I couldn't give a rat's ass. Like I'm gonna get all jealous or whatever. But you know what?! Man up and give me a phone call and tell me what the hell's going on."

UPDATE: Since this story appeared, Ozzy Osbourne confirmed that he is playing with Gus G at Blizz Con.