Ozzy tells Russian fans to 'go crazy' at his shows in St. Petersburg, Moscow

Legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne is touring the world again and among other venues the 'Prince of Darkness' will perform in Russia's St. Petersburg on September 11 and in Moscow on September 13. In an interview with RIA Novosti correspondents Yevgeny Ionov and Irina Gordon, Ozzy shares his thoughts about new album Scream, the upcoming concerts and his impression about Russia and Russian fans.

Legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne is touring the world again and among other venues the 'Prince of Darkness' will perform in Russia's St. Petersburg on September 11 and in Moscow on September 13. In an interview with RIA Novosti correspondents Yevgeny Ionov and Irina Gordon, Ozzy shares his thoughts about new album Scream, the upcoming concerts and his impression about Russia and Russian fans.

The name of your new album, Scream, speaks for itself, but could you give us some more details? What is it about? Is there any particular idea or topic which follows through all tracks on the album?

Not really, I mean it's not a concept album, it's just an album put together you know. I can't sing about things that are not real, you know?

We are all looking forward to your tour and the concerts in St. Petersburg and Moscow. The organizers have promised an outstanding show. Can you tell us anything more about what we can expect?

I'm just doing a couple of shows in England, Germany, Italy and all the Scandinavian countries. I've got a new drummer, I've got a new guitar player and the band is the best band I've had for a long time. It's a lot of fun. I enjoy playing, I enjoy making people happy. If the audience respond, the crazier I go. I want everybody to come along and have a great crazy day out.

So your Russian fans should expect a very great crazy performance, is that right?

I'll do the best show I can, you know what I mean? If my track record is up to date with my new band, it's great. It's gonna be good fun. But I respond off the audience. If the audience go crazy, then I'll play along.

Ozzy, what do you think about your Russian fans, do they differ from your other fans in the world?

When I first played in Russia in 1989 in Moscow, there were so many fans in that big arena, there were so many Ozzy banners in the audience. I mean considering the Communist thing before. Wasn't it illegal to have Western music? There were a lot of people that knew who I was and the people really were hungry for the music. I hope they had a good day.

You've been to Russia many times. What do you remember about your trips?

To be honest, the last time I was there, I was on a tour. I'm very interested in World War II and when I was in St. Petersburg I went to a museum and it was bloody interesting. I would like to spend more time in Russia. I worked on a musical with a friend of mine about Rasputin, the mad monk, a while ago and I'd like to find out more about that. Russian people are very clever, very interesting people.

How do you plan to spend your free time during your visit to Russia?

I want to see as much of Russia as I can. I went to a palace when I was last there. I think it was in St. Petersburg, but I can't remember which one it was. When I go anywhere, I have very little time to look around, so I want to try to see more. I'm very interested in architecture and history. Russia's got some incredible history.

In the past you have written books and participated in a reality TV show. Are you planning something similar in the future or just more music?

The reality show was kind of an experiment that turned out more crazy than anyone expected. My main thing is my music and my rock'n'roll. I don't want to do TV anymore. My wife does TV now, and my daughter does a bit too. My son is a director. But I don't really like doing TV.

They are making a movie adaptation of your book "I am Ozzy." Are you involved in the production of the movie? An actor will be playing you in the movie and whom do you want to play you?

I don't really know who's going to be playing me. I'm not playing any part in the movie apart from giving advice. I'd like it to be someone from my home town Birmingham [Britain], but it's likely to be a Hollywood film actor. I like Robert Downey Jr. He's a very good actor.

When did you last go to Birmingham?

About three months ago. I did a show there.

Anything more you can tell me about the Russian shows?

I don't do the same set every night. I think it will be good, but I want the Russian people to go crazy. When I say crazy, I don't mean hurting each other, just have fun!

Could you say a couple of words to your Russian fans to gear them up before your performance?

The crazier you go, the crazier I go, and the longer I will play.

Your friend Alice Cooper was in Russia a couple of years ago and he was asked at a news conference who the most colorful and scariest person on the stage was. His choice was you, him and Marilyn Manson and he of course chose himself. Do you agree with him?

Alice has been around for as long as I have. I don't compare myself to other bands. I'm just Ozzy, you know.