The Zoo Crew is spinning the epic track "Gods of Rock N Roll" by Billy Morrison from his 2015 album God Shaped Hole, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This song, featuring the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, has a wild backstory. Originally written a decade ago in a South American hotel room during Osbourne’s tour, the track was reimagined in 2025 with a massive 61-piece Budapest Scoring Orchestra and the John Burroughs High School choir, giving it a symphonic punch. Osbourne himself revealed in a Kerrang! interview that he always envisioned the song with an orchestra and choir, jokingly noting it took Morrison "10 fucking years" to make it happen. The 2025 version, set to appear on the deluxe edition of Morrison’s 2024 album The Morrison Project, also features a fiery guitar solo by Steve Stevens, Morrison’s bandmate from Billy Idol’s crew.
The music video for the re-recorded "Gods of Rock N Roll" is a raw, documentary-style gem shot at NRG Studios in Los Angeles, capturing intimate moments between Morrison and Osbourne. Morrison shared on X in January 2025 that "something wonderful this way comes," teasing the track alongside a studio photo with Osbourne and Stevens. Fans on Reddit have called the song a personal anthem, with one user, u/slippery, declaring it sums up their life, sparking lively discussions about its lyrics. The track’s emotional depth, with lines like “I found myself another God-shaped hole,” resonates with listeners, blending raw punk energy with orchestral grandeur.
Billy Morrison, born February 9, 1969, in the UK, kicked off his musical journey in London’s punk rock scene. As an only child, he was drawn to the raw energy of bands like the Sex Pistols, learning to play tracks from Never Mind the Bollocks. His early career saw him in the indie rock band Into a Circle, but drug struggles led to a period of inactivity. After recovery, he formed Stimulator in 1995, signing with Geffen Records, though the label never released their album. Undeterred, Morrison took a DIY approach, releasing the album himself in 2008 via Tunecore, a move he called a success in a Wikipedia bio. His punk roots and resilience shaped his gritty, authentic style.
Morrison’s career gained traction when he joined The Cult in 2001 as a bassist at Billy Duffy’s request, touring with Aerosmith and playing shows in the UK and Japan. He later formed Circus Diablo with Duffy and Brett Scallions, releasing a 2007 album with a hit single, "Loaded," that racked up over a million YouTube views. Morrison also became a staple in the Los Angeles music scene, playing with cover band Royal Machines alongside Dave Navarro and Mark McGrath. His work with Billy Idol, both as a guitarist and co-writer on albums like Kings & Queens of the Underground, cemented his reputation as a versatile rock force.
Fans can connect with Billy Morrison on his Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares updates on his music and art career. His official website, billymorrison.com, dives into his discography and visual art, including the cover he painted for God Shaped Hole. For Zoo Freaks wanting more, check out the Billy Morrison Fan Club on Facebook, a hub for fans to discuss his work, from solo albums to his Billy Idol gigs. The Ozzy Osbourne subreddit also buzzes with chatter about Morrison’s collabs with the Prince of Darkness, perfect for diving deeper into "Gods of Rock N Roll."
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