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Zakk Wylde has posted a short update on his Twitter account regarding his meeting with Ozzy Osbourne on Monday (July 13), where he presumably discussed his status in Ozzy's solo band. Zakk wrote, "Hey Berserkers, everything is great with Ozzy/Dad. See you at the BlizzCon convention in Anaheim August 22nd or before with [BLACK LABEL SOCIETY]."

Ozzy told Classic Rock magazine in a new interview that he's on the lookout for a new guitar player, apparently to replace Wylde. Ozzy appeared two weeks ago as a guest at Slash's headlining concert in Norway, where rumors indicated that he was lining up ROB ZOMBIE guitarist John 5 to take Wylde's spot. Ozzy didn't deny the rumors, saying, "Well, I'm getting a new guitar player as we speak, and everyone has been saying to me for a long time, 'Get Johnny 5!' And I tried him at one time and I didn't really give him a chance. We'll see, I don't know."

As for why he wanted to break away from Wylde, who has played with Ozzy on and off since 1988, Ozzy said, "I haven't fallen out with Zakk, 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?"

Ozzy also indicated that he was auditioning a guitarist from Greece, but declined to give further details.

The former BLACK SABBATH singer has been working on his latest solo album at his home studio in Los Angeles, He said that Wylde had recorded material for the project, but added, "I don't know if I want to use it."

As for Wylde, he seemed unaware that he might be out of a job, posting on his Twitter account, "This is news to me."

Wylde joined Ozzy in 1988 on his "No Rest For The Wicked" album, replacing Jake E. Lee. He has played on every solo Ozzy album since, although he was replaced in the touring band from 1995 to 2001 by Joe Holmes.

(Thanks: ZShaw The Metal Clarkie / Robonez)