If you were around the rock scene in 2005, you probably remember the Prince of Darkness doing something... well, a bit unexpected. He didn't drop a heavy metal opus or another reality show season. Instead, he gave us an album of covers. Right in the middle of that tracklist sat a roaring, cowbell-heavy rendition of a 1970s classic. We're talking about the Ozzy Osbourne Mississippi Queen cover, a song that somehow managed to be both a chart success and a polarizing moment for die-hard Black Sabbath fans.
Most people think this was just a quick cash-grab or a "contractual obligation" record. Honestly? It was way more personal than that. Ozzy has been vocal about his love for Mountain—the original band behind the track—for decades.
The Story Behind the Cowbell
The original "Mississippi Queen" by Mountain is basically the blueprint for American hard rock. It’s got that greasy, thick guitar tone that makes you want to drive a truck through a wall. Leslie West, the legendary guitarist and vocalist for Mountain, was a massive influence on the early heavy metal movement.
When Ozzy decided to record his Under Cover album, he didn't just want to mimic the original. He wanted the man himself.
Sharon Osbourne actually made it happen. She managed to get Leslie West to play guitar on the track. Ozzy was reportedly stunned. He’s mentioned in interviews that "Mississippi Queen" brings back vivid memories of his very first U.S. tour with Black Sabbath. Imagine being a young kid from Birmingham, landing in America, and hearing that riff for the first time. It sticks with you.
Why This Version Hits Different
Ozzy’s version of "Mississippi Queen" isn't just a carbon copy.
It’s heavier.
The production on the 2005 version is thick. You’ve got Jerry Cantrell from Alice in Chains handling most of the guitar work on the album, but Leslie West’s guest solo on this specific track adds that authentic, bluesy grit that Cantrell himself respects.
The rhythm section is also a powerhouse. You’ve got Mike Bordin (Faith No More) on drums and Chris Wyse on bass. They don't just play the beat; they punish it.
- Release Date: November 1, 2005
- Album: Under Cover (also appeared on the Prince of Darkness box set)
- Chart Performance: It actually hit number 10 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.
A lot of critics at the time were pretty harsh. They called the album "karaoke." One reviewer from antiMusic even said it was "painful to listen to." But if you ignore the critics and just listen to the track, it’s a fun, high-energy rock song. It’s Ozzy having a blast with his friends. Is it "Paranoid"? No. Is it a great driving song? Absolutely.
The Leslie West Connection
It’s rare for an artist to cover a song and have the original creator say they actually prefer the new version. Leslie West was notoriously picky about his work. However, he once told Guitar Player magazine that while he liked most covers of "Mississippi Queen," he "really liked the one that Ozzy Osbourne did."
He even joked that every time he hears it, he calls his accountant.
The Misconception of "Selling Out"
There’s this weird narrative that Ozzy lost his edge during the The Osbournes era. People point to Under Cover as evidence.
But look at the tracklist.
He covered King Crimson’s "21st Century Schizoid Man" and The Beatles' "In My Life." These aren't just "pop" hits; they are the DNA of his musical upbringing. "Mississippi Queen" represents the bridge between the blues-rock of the 60s and the heavy metal Ozzy helped invent.
By the way, the cowbell on the Ozzy version is just as prominent as the original. Maybe even a little crispier.
How to Appreciate the Cover Today
If you want to really "get" what Ozzy was doing with this track, you have to listen to it in context. Don't compare it to Blizzard of Ozz. Compare it to the 1970 original.
- Listen for the Solo: Leslie West’s guest appearance is short but unmistakable. That tone is legendary.
- Check the Vocals: Ozzy’s voice in 2005 was processed, sure, but the "sneer" is still there.
- Vibe Check: This is a bar-room rocker, not a gothic metal anthem.
The legacy of the Ozzy Osbourne Mississippi Queen cover is that it introduced a whole new generation of "Ozzfest" kids to Leslie West and Mountain. It kept the flame alive for 70s hard rock when the world was obsessed with emo and pop-punk.
To get the full experience, find the DualDisc version of the album. It includes a documentary called "Dinner with Ozzy and Friends" that shows some of the behind-the-scenes madness from these sessions. It’s worth a watch just to see Ozzy geek out over his idols.
If you're building a classic rock or "Heavy Covers" playlist, this track belongs right at the top. It’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s pure Ozzy.
Actionable Next Steps:
Listen to the original Mountain version from the album Climbing! immediately followed by Ozzy's version from Under Cover. Pay attention to the drum fills in the second verse; you'll notice how Mike Bordin modernizes the "Corky Laing" swing. If you're a guitar player, try to isolate Leslie West’s solo on the Ozzy track—it's a masterclass in using a pentatonic scale with maximum attitude.