Bassist Chris Wyse recently opened up about his audition for Metallica, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the opportunity and the eventual outcome. Known for his extensive collaborations with renowned musicians like Ozzy Osbourne, Ace Frehley, Tal Bachman, and The Cult, the 54-year-old musician’s career is marked by a rich tapestry of experiences.

In a recent interview with Guitar World, Wyse disclosed that his connection to Metallica stemmed from his session work with The Cult, particularly his contributions to the 2001 album “Beyond Good and Evil” and his subsequent nine-year stint starting in 2006. The catalyst for his audition with Metallica was producer Bob Rock, who recommended him to the band. At that point, Metallica was leaning towards Robert Trujillo for the bassist role, with Rock highlighting Wyse’s ability to play with his fingers akin to the iconic Cliff Burton style.

Wyse recalled the audition, expressing his comfort due to his familiarity with Bob Rock and his team. Confident in his ability to replicate Cliff Burton’s fingerstyle while infusing fresh elements with his distinctive tone, Wyse left a lasting impression on Metallica during the audition. Despite the band’s initial inclination towards Trujillo, they took a few weeks to make the decision, indicating that Wyse’s audition had left a significant impact.

Reflecting on the aftermath of not securing a spot in Metallica, Wyse revealed that Kirk Hammett later reached out to him. While Metallica had chosen Trujillo, Hammett suggested an opportunity with Ozzy Osbourne since Trujillo was leaving Ozzy’s band to join Metallica. Wyse was initially intrigued by the idea, but a surprising turn of events involving Jason Newsted joining Ozzy led to a change in plans.

In 2004, Wyse ultimately joined forces with Ozzy Osbourne, contributing to the covers album “Under Cover” and the subsequent “Prince of Darkness” box set released in the following year. Describing the experience as natural and enjoyable, Wyse emphasized his familiarity with the Geezer Butler and Bob Daisley style, making the collaboration with Ozzy a dream come true.

In recounting his journey from auditioning for Metallica to playing with Ozzy Osbourne, Chris Wyse’s narrative showcases the unpredictable nature of the music industry and the unexpecteԀ twists that can shape a musician’s career.