On April 18, Buzz Osborne will be celebrating the highly anticipated release of his third album with the project named Melvins 1983, titled Thunderball. This unique band name pays homage to the fact that Melvins‘ original drummer, Mike Dillard, is featured on this record alongside King Buzzo, further enriching the album’s historical significance in the world of rock music.

Osborne made an appearance on Loudwire Nights on Tuesday, April 1, where he explored the intricacies of the new record and shared insights on various other topics. You can listen to the full, engaging conversation in the player located near the end of this article, where he dives deep into his artistic process.

“I’ve maintained a strong friendship with Mike Dillard since our high school days,” Osborne revealed to host Chuck Armstrong. This bond formed over their shared passion for music has endured through the years.

“We met in high school and have remained close ever since. We communicate regularly, probably on a weekly basis, whether we are collaborating or not,” Osborne shared, highlighting the lasting nature of their friendship.

As Osborne explained, their initial connection during high school was grounded in a mutual appreciation for music. “He was one of the few individuals who resonated with the type of music I loved,” he noted. “It was refreshing to meet someone who was at least a bit open-minded about the genres I was passionate about.” This connection laid the foundation for their musical collaboration.

Osborne further elaborated that it was actually Dillard who suggested they create music together as Melvins 1983, a concept that first came to fruition with their debut album under that name in 2013, titled Tres Cabrones. “Dillard works as a union machinist—that’s his primary job,” Osborne mentioned, providing insight into his bandmate’s daily life.

“We are dedicated musicians; that’s our sole focus,” Osborne stated. “When writing songs, I consider Dillard’s abilities as a musician, which brought a fresh perspective to my songwriting process. It was a delightful experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed working together. We have continued this collaboration for three albums, and it has been a remarkable journey.” The synergy between them is evident in their creative output.

Buzz Osborne’s Journey of Musical Discovery in a Small Town

Osborne grew up in a small town in Washington, which made meeting someone like Dillard, who shared his taste in music, especially significant. “For the most part, I didn’t engage in discussions about music with anyone,” Osborne confessed. “Without older siblings or friends to introduce me to new sounds, I discovered everything independently, making me feel like an island in my musical journey.”

He expressed his enduring admiration for Led Zeppelin, a band he has loved since childhood, despite exploring other musical avenues. “Although I identify strongly with punk rock, my love for Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and similar bands has never waned. I see no reason to dismiss such influential music,” he reflected.

Even while living in a small town, Osborne was determined to seek out new music. “I began purchasing records that I considered unconventional, starting with Bowie around 1977,” he reminisced. “I would order them through mail, often prompted by magazines like Creem and Hit Parader, which showcased pictures of rock bands. I would see images of groups like The Clash or Sex Pistols and have no means of hearing their music, leading me to order their records blindly.”

It was Bowie who initially inspired Osborne to delve deeper into the world of music. “He opened my eyes to a plethora of other genres and artists,” Osborne stated. “Once I discovered the Sex Pistols, I learned they had covered a song by a band called The Stooges. This discovery led me to explore The Stooges, and subsequently, MC5. It was an endless cycle of musical exploration that continued into the early ’80s and beyond.”

Buzz Osborne’s Top Pick for a Black Sabbath Classic

In addition to reminiscing about his formative years spent exploring music, Osborne expressed his admiration for Black Sabbath as they approached the original lineup’s final performance on July 5 in Birmingham. “The opening track of their first album, ‘Black Sabbath,’ encapsulates everything about the band for me,” he explained, emphasizing the profound impact of that song.

READ MORE: Tony Iommi Reveals His Reasons for Not Changing Black Sabbath’s Name

“To me, that is their best song. It possesses the raw energy and distinct vibe—if I had to choose one song to introduce someone to Black Sabbath, it would undoubtedly be ‘Black Sabbath.’ What is this that stands before me? It’s truly iconic,” he added passionately.

Osborne admitted that he never quite connected with Ozzy Osbourne‘s solo career but had a deep appreciation for Ronnie James Dio‘s tenure with Sabbath. “I believe Dio played a crucial role in revitalizing their music,” he remarked. “Those albums are exceptional, and Sabbath as a whole has had a tremendous influence on the genre.”

Key Insights from Buzz Osborne’s Discussion on Loudwire Nights

• He explained why he stands firmly behind his view that Metallica‘s Lulu is his favorite album from the iconic thrash metal band: “If I’m forced to choose just one Metallica album to listen to, it would definitely be Lulu. It’s unique and often perplexing for most listeners. I’m genuinely thrilled and proud that they collaborated with Lou Reed. It’s important to respect artists’ freedom to explore new directions, even if it veers away from mainstream expectations. Criticizing them for taking risks is unfair.”
• He elaborated on how he continually pushes creative boundaries with each new Melvins album: “We’ve faced criticism about our artistic choices, but many of those critics are no longer in the industry. I firmly believe that no one can out-practice or out-think me. I have confidence in my artistic vision and taste in music. If I create music that resonates with me, there are surely others out there who will appreciate it too. While it may not attract millions, it will be sufficient. It deserves a wider audience.”
• Osborne shared his ongoing creative pursuits with Melvins: “I’m constantly working on a myriad of new projects. That’s just part of my identity. I write copious amounts of music and truly enjoy the process. As a professional musician, my livelihood revolves around creating music, performing live, and producing records. That’s my passion and purpose.”

Catch the Complete Interview in the Podcast Player Below

Buzz Osborne made a guest appearance on Loudwire Nights on April 1; the show is available for replay online, and you can tune in live every weeknight at 7 PM ET on the Loudwire app. Additionally, check your local radio station for availability and listen to past interviews on-demand.