FOZZY - WE ARE HUGE ROCKSTARS!

Fozzy Osbourne (1999–2000)

Fozzy started out as Fozzy Osbourne, a play on the name of the singer Ozzy Osbourne and was a cover band assembled by Ward from whatever musicians he could find on a given week. In 1999, Jericho and Ward met in San Antonio after a wrestling show, and was invited to play with the band; Jericho sat in on a few sessions, but did not plan to play with them permanently. In 2000, unable to wrestle for four months due to a severe ankle injury, Jericho rejoined the band and became its front man under the persona of Moongoose McQueen, and the band went on tour.

Fozzy (2000 onward)

The band shortened its name to Fozzy, and adopted the satirical back-story that they had signed a 20-year contract to stay in Japan and be huge rock stars, only to discover on their return to America that many famous artists had ripped off their songs.

Soon afterward, Fozzy produced their first album, self-titled and featuring mostly covers of bands such as Dio, Krokus, Twisted Sister, Iron Maiden, Mötley Crüe and Judas Priest. Also, at one time the band once considered changing their name to Big City Knights.

Fozzy's second album Happenstance was produced in 2002, again featuring mostly covers of bands such as Black Sabbath, Scorpions, W.A.S.P. and Accept.

In 2004, the band dropped its back-story and Jericho's McQueen persona. A year later, they produced their third album, All That Remains, which featured entirely original tracks, including singles "Enemy" and "Daze of the Weak". All That Remains featured guest appearances by musicians such as Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, Ozzy Osbourne, Pride and Glory), Bonecrusher, Mark Tremonti (Creed, Alter Bridge), and Butch Walker (Marvelous 3). The album went on to sell over 100,000 copies and was praised by dozens of rock magazines, leading to widespread global recognition and their world tour.[citation needed] In 2005, "Enemy" was the theme song for WWE No Way Out and then in 2006 for a promo video for TNA Bound for Glory. Also in 2005 the band played the Download Festival at Donington Park, England.

Soon after the release of All That Remains, plans for a fourth album were announced.

On wednesday the 4th of March 2009, MetalUnderground.com reported that Fozzy had signed a worldwide record deal with Australian based Riot! Entertainment to release their fourth album in the early summer. It was also revealed that the album would be entitled, "Chasing The Grail."

Line-up changes

Over the bands career, it has undergone numerous line-up changes. The original line-up consisted of Chris Jericho on vocals, Rich Ward on guitar and back up vocals, Dan Dryden on bass, Ryan Mallam on guitar and Frank Fontsere on Drums. Later on, the band introduced both Mike Schneider and Andy Sneap to add more guitarists, but neither appeared on any albums and Mike Schneider left the band after only a year.

Just before the release of their second album, Happenstance, Dan Dryden left the band and was replaced by Keith Watson. Not long after, Ryan Mallam left the band and was replaced by Mike Martin.

In 2004, Keith Watson left the band and was replaced by current bass player Sean Delson. After the release of their third album, All That Remains, drummer Frank Fontsere left the band to be replaced by Eric Sanders, leaving Chris Jericho and Rich Ward as the only remaining members from the original lineup.

On March 7, 2009, Fozzy's official Myspace blog confirmed that founding drummer Frank Fontsere would be returning to the band for its upcoming album Chasing The Grail.

Discography
 

Albums

    * Fozzy (2000)
    * Happenstance (2002)
    * All That Remains (2005)
    * All That Remains: Reloaded (2005)
    * Chasing The Grail (2009)

Singles

    * "Eat the Rich" (2000)
    * "Balls to the Wall" (2002)
    * "With the Fire" (2002)
    * "To Kill a Stranger" (2002)
    * "Enemy" (2008)
    * "It's a Lie" (2006)
    * "Metal Gods" (2007)

DVD releases

    * Fozzy - Unleashed, Uncensored, Unknown (2003)

Band members

Current members

    * Chris Jericho – vocals (since 1999)
    * Rich Ward – lead guitar (since 1999)
    * Frank Fontsere – drums (1999–2005, 2009 - )
    * Sean Delson – bass guitar (since 2004)
    * Mike Martin – rhythm guitar (since 2002)

Former members

    * Dan Dryden – bass (1999–2002)
    * Keith Watson – bass (2002–2004)
    * Mike Schneider – guitar (2001–2002)
    * Andy Sneap – guitar (2001–2004)
    * Ryan Mallam – guitar (1999–2002)
    * Billy Grey – guitar (2002)
    * Eric Sanders – drums (2005-2009)