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- [00:01]
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- [00:40]
Kennedy
Welcome to this episode of Kennedy Saves the World. The world has lost an absolute pioneer in music who meant so much to so many people and was truly a seminal influence not only for anyone who's a fan of hard rock and heavy metal, but also anyone who watched reality TV in the early 2000s. Ozzy Osbourne played his final concert just a few weeks ago in his hometown in Birmingham, England, and we lost him this week. And it leaves a hole in the hearts of so many people and for many music fans I have talked to, they said that this death sent somehow hits them differently. Matt Pinfield joins me. He was one of my co workers at MTV in the 90s when he hosted 120 Minutes and I hosted Alternative Nation. Matt is not only the biggest music fan that I know, he also knows more about music. He truly is one of those people who has an encyclopedic knowledge of his greatest subjects and he also happens to be friends with a lot of people in bands, in music because he is the kindest, greatest, biggest hearted person that could ever love the art that you put out there. And I'm so happy to call my friend Matt. Welcome to Kennedy Saves the World.
- [02:09]
Matt Pinfield
Kennedy, it's so great to see you. I got so many great memories of working with you at MTV and spending time with you and always loved you and just I'm, you know, what a huge fan of yours. I am so, and I remain and always have been so it's just, it's what a pleasure to get to be here with you today. I'm just so excited to be here. So I've been thinking about you.
- [02:29]
Kennedy
I've been thinking about you so much over the last few months because I know that, you know, you've had some real health emergencies and something that you have posted on social media before Ozzy's passing was when you had a stroke and you were in ICU and you were in a coma. You know, we were worried that you weren't going to pull through and it was a really terrifying time and a lot of Your good friends at mtv, we were all talking to each other. We had text threads open, just trying to get any information that we could. And our old boss, Andy Schoen, was really leading the way, giving us information, visiting you, talking with your family, and. And you made a miraculous recovery. And part of that was because of a gift that Ozzy Osbourne had given you when you were in the hospital. Tell us what that was.
- [03:22]
Matt Pinfield
Well, you know, it was a beautiful gift from Ozzy. You know, I found out that Ozzy. Once I came out of the coma, you know, I was. It's kind of crazy, you know, I obviously had this stroke. I was at a drummer's house, a rock and roll drummer who was, you know, pretty well known. I was. I was there helping him, you know, with some. Some stuff that, you know, he wanted to just some music, help with some stuff online. And I told him I didn't feel well. I said, man, I feel kind of strange. And, you know, and then. And then basically like I got on a couch and eventually ended up getting, you know, an ambulance EMS to the hospital. But, you know, they were, you know, as, you know, because Kennedy, you were talking to Andy and everybody was staying in touch with you. Most people did not expect me to survive. I mean, they were. The medical professionals at the hospital in Los Angeles were saying, you know, it's doubtful he's going to make it. I mean, they were telling. They tell my daughters that, you know, I have two adult daughters. And it's heartbreaking to think that when you're in a coma that your daughters would get that kind of news. You know what I mean about the fact that, you know, you're probably not going to make it. And it just broke my heart when I came out of the coma. And I, you know, was like, what. What happened and what, you know, so it was just. It's a. It's a beautiful thing. It's an amazing gift to be alive. I'm so grateful to be here and grateful for all the prayers, a lot of prayers, man, people were. There was a massive collection of people praying, and I thought that that was a very important and powerful thing. So when they didn't expect me to come out of this coma because, you know, I. During that time, I also got mercia pneumonia, like, so in the hospital. And I know the odds of living through Martian pneumonia are anywhere from 15 to 30% or something like that. So they did not expect me to live. And I was on a ventilator there, and I, you know, I didn't know Any of this until I came out of coma. And of course, it came out talking about rock and roll. Of course, that was the thing. They were like, I can't believe he's talking, but he has his memory. So I was very grateful. But to answer your question about the Ozzy thing, you know, Ozzy and I have always had a great relationship and. And me and, you know, and with the whole Osborne family. But he and I had a friendship that, you know, really started in the 90s, even though I was a fan when I was a little kid in the 70s. And then all through, you know, the years. So he found out that I had the stroke, and he literally went into his personal collection of canes. And all of a sudden I got this box that was shipped to me, and it was this. And it's Ozzy's cane with his name on it. It's gold plated. It's, like engraved in gold. It was just. I couldn't believe that, you know, he thought that much, that he and I loved it. I mean, it was just a beautiful gift. But we've always gotten along so well, and he and I have always had these conversations about how much we love music. We love rock and roll. And, you know, his favorite band of all time is the Beatles. But he also loves, like, oh, Rocky. He's a big Peter Gabriel fan. I mean, like, you know, I was making an Ozfest live album with him when I was at Columbia Records. I was a vice president at Columbia Records for a while. And I remember there were so many Osbourne's product products out Kennedy during, like, the. The height of the TV show that I was at Columbia. So they were on Epic, but they were. All of a sudden, all the executives called me in the big ones and went, hey, Matt, you think you want to make this Ozfest live album? Because we're. Epic's pretty maxed out on Osborne. We got an Aussie double live album. We got a Kelly record. We got all this. And I said, I'm gonna make that record. So I made the record with Ozzy and. And all the other bands that were ended up on it. But it was. We've always had a great relationship and a friendship, and it's a mutual love of music and rock and roll that I think is the thing that's brought us together. And. And we've. You know, we really. We would have these deep conversations about music and since the 1990s, and that's, you know, it's just. I can't believe it's that many Decades. So that was not only one of the most beautiful gifts. I was so absolutely moved by it because I was told by Sharon and Michael that Ozzy was so upset when he found out about the stroke that he. To do that was just. That shows kind of heart that he had, you know, and. And what a beautiful thing to do.
- [07:28]
Kennedy
And what a caring person because he. He's been through so much and he has had, you know, God rest his soul, but he. He has had his own health challenges and he obviously cares about you so much. He didn't want you to suffer like he had been suffering. And, you know, he. He wanted you to have something personal and amazing. When was the last time you spoke to him?
- [07:53]
Matt Pinfield
Last time I spoke to Ozzy, it had been a couple of years, you know, like where we had a really good conversation, you know, because I had done, you know, some stuff for Sharon too, for she and Sharon, you know, just. Just a couple years back. So we talked then. But we. Oh, like I said, we always tight. And then I did just. I mean, it was. Might have been five years, four or five years ago. I did the 40th anniversary special for Blizzard of Oz, his first solo album. So when it came time to do that, they asked me to do it. Ozzy and Sharon. So I did that for them. We did this big special, the re airing it in Los Angeles on the radio here. But it was on all over the country when it. When it was done. But yeah, you know, and we've stayed in touch through friends, you know what I mean? Like, so. I mean, but I think it's been. So it's got to be like. The last time we talked was around the time that is last solo album came out, produced by Andrew Watt. The guys worked with Pearl Jam and the Stones and kind of brought Ozzy back in a big way with a lot of our mutual friends, people you and I know, like Duff from Guns N Roses and Chad from the Chili Peppers and you know, all those guys. So, you know, I went to the listening party for that and you know, I've just always supported Ozzy in a. In a. For years and. But. But the friend. It was the act of kindness and the note that I got from him about this, like. And he just. The word had come back and I just got this note that said we gotta keep the people that we love alive and support those who still fly the flag for music and rock and roll. So, you know, and that was a beautiful thing.
- [09:27]
Kennedy
Yeah, that's a beautiful sentiment. And it's, you know, it's heartbreaking that that comes not long before his passing. So what is it about Ozzy's life and his talent and his music that resonates so deeply that his, his death really feels shocking? What is it about him?
- [09:47]
Matt Pinfield
You know, I think the thing about Ozzy is he was a true rock and roll character and a star. I mean, you know, and he. The fact that those guys came from a very poor area of Acton, that part of Birmingham, England, you know, they were real working class, you know, these guys, you know, you know, most of those guys in Sabbath, you know, they didn't even have indoor bathrooms in those days. They were like, you know, literally, you know, they were. They had outhouses and, you know, they would share the, you know, I remember him telling me a story about, you know, how they would have to share the bath water. You know what I mean? So it was like, you know, they, you know, the families and the other members like, of Sabbath too. So they were, you know, it comes from that place where, you know, I think it gave him this unbelievable work ethic and his. And he said, you know, the really, it was the Beatles. That was his first love of music and that why he wanted to be in music. And I think that was one of the things that's so special is. Plus, you know, he's so responsible for obviously what people consider to be hard rock and heavy metal. Sabbath or like one of the first really, they, they wrote the book on so many things, you know what I mean? When it comes right down to it, they influenced so many people and inspired so many young people around the world to pick up instruments, to want to sing, to want to play drums, to want to play guitar. Ozzy had that effect. Plus he was a funny guy, mischievous and funny. And his history is of course, you know, he's a character. But they loved, and you know, they loved America, man, those guys, they came over here, it was the promised land. You know, when they were starting out, you know, touring America, because this is, you know, they saw that the Beatles came over here with Beetle Mania and they just followed the footsteps of those 60s bands like the Beatles and the Stones and everybody. So I mean, it was just like in a way with Led Zeppelin, where those bands were bigger in the States at first than they were in their own countries. And although Sabbath did have two number one albums right out of the gate, but they were just hard working dudes and, and Ozzy always had that sentiment, you know, I mean, where he, he was hard working and he was funny like, you know, he's just funny. I mean, you people know that from watching as a reality TV star. But, I mean, he would just say the funniest stuff about other rock stars. And it wasn't like a real. Not. Not in a knocking way, but just funny stuff about their characters in the way they act. And. And I love that about him. You know, you talk about Lemmy, who he wrote Mama, I'm Coming Home with, and that was okay.
- [12:22]
Kennedy
And that was a hit in 1992, which. I'm glad you brought that up. First of all, my dog's name is Lemmy. And I love that you have a dog named Lemmy.
- [12:29]
Matt Pinfield
It's the greatest.
- [12:30]
Kennedy
He is. He's a revered person in our home. But I want. I want you to talk about that and take us to that point in music, because this album comes out in 1992, and, you know, he's sharing the MTV ether with Metallica, who just released the Black Album, and Soundgarden and Pearl Jam and Nirvana, who are still, you know, blowing up single after single, video after video. And here comes Ozzy. And you could argue that all of these bands were bands because of the influence of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath.
- [13:05]
Matt Pinfield
Absolutely, they are. And, you know, because there is definitely in every single one of those bands and probably multiple members in each of those bands. I know for a fact. I mean, Soundgarden covered Into the Void, so they covered some Sabbath, you know, and so, you know. But all those guys, they all grew up. Obviously. It was in their DNA, you know what I mean? And I think it's so important. But it's great that he had the staying power that even at that period of time, he could, you know, he could run with the best of them. I mean, he just had that kind of fan base. It was. It was unbelievable. And they all respected him so much. There was no, you know, there. I never ever heard any artist and all these rock guys, you know, that whoever had anything negative to say about Ozzy, I mean, he said he was a character, but, you know, and of course, there's. There's notorious stories about his wild behavior, but he's a lovable guy and like.
- [13:56]
Kennedy
You know, rock star, you're supposed to be doing that stuff. You're supposed to be a little bit scary. Otherwise you're going to be Donny Osmond. Don't go anywhere more. Kennedy Saves the World Right after this. It is time to take the quiz.
- [14:11]
Matt Pinfield
It's five questions in less than five minutes. We asked people on the streets of New York City to Play along. Let's see how you do.
- [14:16]
Kennedy
Take the quiz every day at thequiz Fox, then come back here to see how you did.
- [14:21]
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Thank you for taking the quiz.
- [14:23]
Kennedy
You know, you brought up Led Zeppelin and, you know, Black Sabbath was formed in 1967. What was the relationship between Sabbath and Zeppelin? Was there a rivalry there? Were they. Frank friends? Were they inspired by each other?
- [14:38]
Matt Pinfield
I mean, I think there was probably a small rivalry, but not one that was like where there was negativity between the two bands. They were both kind of trying to get a leg up around the same time. The difference was that, of course, you know, Led Zeppelin were, you know, had a very, very smart manager and a smart deal, but that, you know, of course, you know, and Sabbath went through like, different phases of management and they, you know, they, they, you know, they were touring their butts off and, you know, they were kind of getting. They were. They didn't. Were receiving the money for the, you know, the records they were selling and the, and the influence that they were having at the time where I think on the. In the case of Led Zeppelin, they, you know, like their manager, you know, Peter Grant, wrote the book. Excuse me. On like, the, you know, like, making sure bands toured and got taken care of. But, you know, but they both had immense influence at that time. And especially since, you know, half of Zeppelin is from Birmingham as well, the same area that Sabbath are from, you know what I mean? Other than Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones, who were recession musicians or young guys who were from London. But, you know, John Bottom, the heavy drummer of. Of Led Zeppelin and Robert Plant were both from the Midlands. They were from that. They were from Birmingham. They were from the same area as Sabbath. A lot of rock and roll there. And then, you know, metal bands that follow.
- [15:57]
Kennedy
What is it about that part of England that produces those incredible vocals?
- [16:04]
Matt Pinfield
You know what it is. I think that's the thing that's amazing. I think it's because there's just a power. They really had a. You know, every day was a fight. You know what I mean? I mean, these were children of, you know, came out and were born, a lot of them During World War II, you know what I mean? Or. Or while world. World War II was happening. And, you know, know, a lot of parts of the country were getting bombed or bombed out. And I think, you know, it made, just like their parents who had to fight through that stuff. They, you know, it gave them a bit of a harder edge. So I think that's one of the reasons why, you know, and it's. It's interesting how they were just. The vocalists from that area were incredible. You're right, you know, and. But you hear the stories. The stories are just funny, like, about the guys on the road and they're. They're endless stories. But again, it's amazing how there are still kids every single day. You know, all that. You hear about all the School of Rocks and other, you know, organizations where kids are picking up instruments that are learning those Sabbath songs, you know. You know, I mean, Kennedy, isn't it funny that, you know, like, paranoid. Not only did nobody in the band really know what the word meant, except for Geezer Butler when he wrote the song, but. But they needed three extra minutes on their. On that album. You know what I mean? And. And that's was written as an afterthought. Like it was the last minute. Like, the album's too short, so. But the history to have an. For Ozzy to have all those careers and all those lines and so many.
- [17:29]
Kennedy
Evolutions and, you know, your career is the same way. You know, you. You started out in Georgia, but you ended up in New Jersey as a radio guy that every band knew. Know, before you got to mtv, every band knew Matt Pinfield. And, you know, through media and the record industry, you are one of the most consistent people that I have ever seen in any subject. And music continues to feed you. And Ozzy was the same way. Like, he was continuously inspired, and then he went on to have like, a fifth act in reality tv.
- [18:12]
Matt Pinfield
Yes, he did. Which is amazing. And, you know, it's. It really speaks a lot about the kind of heart that he had, again, starting from those, you know, like being. Coming from that working class and working so hard and then touring and just giving. Giving his all to everything that he did. And, you know, he was. I can honestly tell you, he loved his kids so much, and he loved Sharon, you know, I mean, he really loved. He loved them and he. And he loved friends like me. You know, it's funny that Mike Inez, you know, who played bass for him and plays for. Is in Alice in Chains, and he would always say to me, he goes, man, he goes, ozzy loves you so much. I'm like, I remember when I was down at those rehearsals with you guys ago. Do you know how much that means to me? Because obviously, having loved, you know, Sabbath since I was 8 or 9, you know, and I discovered it in the neighborhood, you know, and you play out in your. Your neighborhood, everybody out riding their bikes. Somebody's older brother would have Me playing Sabbath in the garage, you know, something like that. But, you know, it's. It's a. It's an incredible thing. I'm. I feel very, very grateful to a. To be alive. And I. You know, I just have to say it again. All the people. The collective prayer of people just blew me away. And it meant so much. And I believe it's so powerful, the power prayer and that people, you know, we're like. I think it was that. There's a beauty to that. I mean, I just. That and people and the music were the things that have always driven me. And I'm super grateful. And so to have had a relationship and friendship with Ozzy is really. To me, you know, it was a beautiful gift. You know, like so many other things. Kennedy, you know, like, I gotta say, it looked like our friendship, you know, you and I. I mean, we were in England together. We were like. We were doing all kinds. I mean, we. You know, when. You know, when we were doing the MTV years. I have great memories of you. And I were like. You know, we were just over there in England. We're like, hey, what is. I remember when we were checking out. We're like, hey, all the candy's different here. You know, we were. You know, we were still young. We didn't.
- [20:07]
Kennedy
You know, it was before the Internet. Like, we went to the. It really was 1995. And it was like, stuff we had never seen. And so Matt and I, like, let's get everything you did.
- [20:21]
Matt Pinfield
We actually got. Kenny, when you're. We were like. We had. We were right next to each other in our hotel rooms, and we went like. It went. Let's just buy them all. And then we went there. We were actually split all these candy bars. I mean, our sugar levels must have been off the charts.
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Kennedy
Thank God we didn't have glucose monitors then.
- [20:39]
Matt Pinfield
In fact. Absolutely. You know, it's incredible. It was so much fun. It just. It was. Reminds me of so many laughs and great times I had with you. And I've always. So. I love you dearly. And I. And you know that. You know, so I'm grateful for that. I really am. And. And it was very nice of you. And you mentioned me in your book, too. I thought that was beautiful. I want to thank you.
- [20:58]
Kennedy
And, well, you're. You're such a good person. And, you know, you're. You're an example of. Find something you love and dedicate your life to it. And you have brought so many people joy. And, you know, this conversation about Ozzy is full Circle because you're a dad. You love your kids, you are inspired by music. You. You bring the love of music to people. And that's all an artist like Ozzy could ever want is, you know, to move people, to take them to an extraordinary place and to have that resonate with them always. Like my memories with you, always will with me. Matt Pinfield.
- [21:42]
Matt Pinfield
Yeah. I love you, I gotta tell you that. Kennedy, just so you know.
- [21:45]
Kennedy
Well, you're such a good guy and I'm cheering for you. And please come back on my podcast so we can talk about people who are here and inspiring us and, you know, moving forward and crushing people's dreams.
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Matt Pinfield
Absolutely. I love you and I wanted to say thank you for having me on. It's just. It's so great to reunite with you here. It really is.
- [22:07]
Kennedy
You know, well, when you're new, I.
- [22:08]
Matt Pinfield
Know we both love Soundgarden.
- [22:10]
Kennedy
Yes.
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Matt Pinfield
You know, when you're new, you know, so I.
- [22:12]
Kennedy
Come see me in person. I would love to sit down and talk about all sorts of music with you, Matt.
- [22:18]
Matt Pinfield
Yeah, let's do it.
- [22:19]
Kennedy
Kennedy.
- [22:20]
Matt Pinfield
I'll be back home on the. On the east coast, you know, me being Jersey, you know what I mean? You know? Right. So I'm gonna. I'll definitely be back to see you. So I'll reach out and love to come see you and get together and grab some food, just catch up and talk about life.
- [22:33]
Kennedy
Amen. And life music.
- [22:34]
Matt Pinfield
It's a beautiful gift to be here and I'm having the power of prayer.
- [22:38]
Kennedy
Matt Pinfield, thank you so much for joining me. This has been Kennedy Saves the World.
- [22:42]
Matt Pinfield
I'm Kennedy.
- [22:48]
Kennedy
Listen ad free With a Fox News podcast plus subscription on Apple podcasts and Amazon prime, members can listen to this show ad free on the Amazon music app. Oh, go ahead and leave me a review while you're there. I'd love to hear what you have to say. You've been listening to Kennedy Saves the World on the Fox News podcast network.
- [23:06]
D
Listen to the all new Bret Bear podcast featuring common ground in depth talks with lawmakers from opposite sides of the aisle, along with all your Brett Bear favorite, his all star panel and much more. Available now@foxnewspodcasts.com or wherever you get your podcasts.