“Ozzy asked whether I had night-sight goggles. I didn’t. He told me you could pick up an ex-military pair for $10,000!”: Legendary songwriter Russ Ballard tried to write a song with Ozzy Osbourne – and failed

A composite photograph of Russ Ballard and Ozzy Osbourne.

Legendary songwriter Russ Ballard has recalled the time he tried and failed to write a song with Ozzy Osbourne – only for the Prince Of Darkness to offer tips on buying some expensive military hardware instead.

Speaking in the brand new issue of Classic Rock magazine, former Argent singer-turned-hitmaker Ballard – who penned such classic anthems as Since You Been Gone and God Gave Rock And Roll To You, as popularised by Rainbow and Kiss respectively – looked back on a brief but amusing attempt to collaborate with Ozzy.