#26 - Ozzy Osbourne - Perry Mason
An intense, riff-heavy exploration of justice and mystery, inspired by the iconic fictional lawyer.
Story Behind “Perry Mason” by Ozzy Osbourne
Released in 1995 on the album Ozzmosis, “Perry Mason” showcases Ozzy Osbourne’s fascination with the themes of justice and mystery, embodied by the iconic fictional lawyer, Perry Mason. Known for his relentless pursuit of truth, Mason provided a compelling figure for Osbourne to channel into song. Written alongside longtime collaborators Zakk Wylde and John Purdell, the track’s driving riffs and Ozzy’s trademark vocals capture the intensity of a courtroom drama in a heavy metal format. At the time, Ozzy was emerging from a period of personal struggles and sought a powerful theme that could resonate with fans.
The song builds a sense of dark anticipation, mirroring the suspenseful feel of a legal thriller. With lyrics that reflect Ozzy's own larger-than-life persona and themes of seeking justice, "Perry Mason" stands as one of the key tracks from Ozzmosis. Its gritty sound and relentless rhythm were partly inspired by the classic TV show, with Ozzy turning the iconic legal figure into an emblem of resilience and determination.
Technical Details
Notes About “Perry Mason” by Ozzy Osbourne
Release Date: October 24, 1995
Album: Ozzmosis
Duration: 5:53
Key: D minor
BPM: 115
Genre: Heavy Metal, Hard Rock
Writers: Ozzy Osbourne, Zakk Wylde, John Purdell
Producers: Michael Beinhorn
Album Details
Album: Ozzmosis
Release Date: October 24, 1995
Label: Epic Records
Recording Location: Guillaume Tell Studios, Paris, France
Producer(s): Michael Beinhorn
Band Members/Personnel
Ozzy Osbourne - Vocals
Zakk Wylde - Guitars
Geezer Butler - Bass
Deen Castronovo - Drums
Rick Wakeman - Keyboards
Album Production Notes
Ozzmosis was a return to form for Ozzy Osbourne after a brief hiatus. Produced by Michael Beinhorn, the album has a polished yet heavy feel, balancing commercial appeal with the gritty essence that Ozzy fans expect. The combination of heavy guitar riffs by Zakk Wylde and eerie keyboard flourishes by Rick Wakeman helped craft a sound that was both modern and true to Ozzy’s roots.
Interesting Facts about the Song and the Album
Ozzmosis was Ozzy's seventh solo album and marked his return after a supposed retirement in the early 90s, adding a comeback element to the album’s promotion.
The song’s concept reportedly started as a joke but evolved into one of the album’s most iconic tracks due to its intense energy and memorable riff.
Rick Wakeman, known from Yes, added haunting keyboard lines, adding a unique texture to the song’s arrangement.