Sweet Leaf features a veritable who’s who of the local metal scene.
Singer Lance Ozanix still leads Skitzo, one of the first thrash metal acts in the world—the band was formed in 1981—and the very first from Sonoma County.
Guitarist Steve Smyth plays in the recently reunited Forbidden. He has done countless national and international tours, playing with the likes of Testament, Nevermore, Vicious Rumors, Forbidden, One Machine and Dragonlord. He also teaches guitar to budding students across the globe.
Drummer Chris Newman played with Intense, one of the largest drawing speed/thrash metal bands in Sonoma County during the late ’80s. Bassist Dave D’Elicio rounds out the group.
In a recent interview with the North Bay Bohemian, Lance talked about the band and its origins.
Fast Eddie: How many years has Sweet Leaf been around, and how did the project get started?
Lance Ozanix: Sweet Leaf started in 1989 with the idea of being a Black Sabbath tribute. People would say I look like Ozzy, and we tried doing a few Sabbath songs, and it fit well. There were no tribute bands around at that time. In 1992, we had our first tribute show at Uncle Charlie’s (now defunct club in Corte Madera) with Long Gone Bon (AC/DC tribute), and the show went over very well. By 1994, my current band members just left and did their own thing, so I brought the idea to Steve Smyth and Steve Hoffman (who was already involved), and the team meshed pretty well. The rest is history.
Fast Eddie: Do you like playing Ozzy Osbourne or Black Sabbath songs more than the others?
Ozanix: I love the Jake E. Lee era and songs off Diary of a Madman. As for Black Sabbath songs, “War Pigs” is a fan fave, and the audience gets to sing long and loud.
Fast Eddie: What are your favorite Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne albums?
Ozanix: My top three records for Black Sabbath are Born Again, Master Of Reality and Never Say Die. As for Ozzy, it would be Diary of a Madman, Bark At The Moon and No More Tears.
Fast Eddie: How many practices do you need to shake off the cobwebs?
Ozanix: Very little. Check this out. When the pandemic hit, we stopped playing for like three years. At our very first rehearsal three years later, just a little over a month ago, we played an hour and a half without any hiccups. Amazing.
Sharing the bill with Sweet Leaf is Joe Daddy and Banger. Doors open at 7pm, and the show starts at 8pm. Saturday, April 6, at On The Y, 670 Fulton Ave. in Sacramento. 21 and over only. Tickets are $10 and available at door only.
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Eddie Jorgensen
Categories: News, Sweet Leaf
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