Rocking Out With Crazy Babies

ROCKING OUT WITH

By April Violet

Born to a Baptist minister in Detroit, being forbidden to listen to Rock & Roll or even have any albums in the house, one wouldn’t think a young boy would grow up to become the lead for an Ozzy Osbourne tribute band. However, that is precisely what Michael Boyd Quinton did.

Growing up, Michael, more commonly known now as Boyd Ozzy Quinton, recalls his absolute love of music. He would get his fill any time he left his home. Weekends with friends were all about cranking up the likes of Def Leppard and AC/DC, a hard rock binge of sorts.

In the mid-1980s, hard rock was leading the decade, and Boyd was out on his own, in his own place. No longer under restraints, he allowed the music he loved and knew was in him to take hold.

Like most of us, the impact of the economy’s downward spiral significantly impacted Boyd’s lively hood. In 2009, he was forced to give up two businesses, close the doors, and walk away. He ended up moving to a neighborhood where he was surrounded by music, LITERALLY. Across the street lived a man named Dave Eversole, who had started a band called ‘Fifty Amp Fuse,’ which was the most prominent dance band in the state. The neighbor to his right was a drummer in a large church band. The neighbor to the left of him was a man named Les Paul. So, when we say he was surrounded by music, we aren’t exaggerating.

Since the only place Boyd usually performed was behind his steering wheel, he was a bit reluctant to put himself out there; however, with all the music around him taunting him to give it a try, Boyd started singing at a place in Milford, MI called the Red Dog Saloon. Every week he would join in on karaoke and soon discovered he could carry a note, especially singing the hits of Sammy Hagar, Poison, and you guessed it, Ozzy. A band called ‘Forward’ asked him to audition as a lead vocalist about a year in. Now seeing as he was in a new relationship with his nowwife, Amy, she wouldn’t let his fear overcome him. Like any great supportive partner, she ‘gently’ convinced him to audition. The next day Boyd found himself the lead singer of a band.

After a year with ‘Forward’ and another year with a breakaway band called ‘Majik Whiski,’ Boyd was approached by a guitarist who looked a lot like Ozzy’s longtime guitarist, Zakk Wylde. As tribute bands were on the rise, the timing seemed perfect to agree to start up a band together, and so they did. This Zakk Wylde lookalike, Jason Culhane (no longer with the band), secured a drummer and a bass player. With Boyd on lead, the band was off to a start.

Boyd admitted that his hair looked more like Hagar than Ozzy at the time. He knew he had to work on his look. So that same great Amy, who by the way, is now their tour manager, and who helped nudge him in the past to pursue the audition, would also help transform the Preacher’s son from Detroit named Michael into an Ozzy Osbourne look alike. With some black hair dye, a straightener, trench coat, and little round sunglasses, Boyd had nailed the Ozzy look by the first gig and the fans loved it.

Quickly they became a sensation in Mid-Michigan and expanded to larger venues across the state. While performing in a ‘Band Showcase ‘at the DeVoss Center in Grand Rapids, they were discovered by a management company called Astar and taken under their wing.

Currently playing all over the US and soon worldwide, this incredible A-Team is not slowing down. Performing most of Ozzy’s solo hits and many Black Sabbath hits, one thing is for sure, if you ever get the chance, don’t miss out on Crazy Babies- Ozzy Rebourne.

Ozzy Rebourne (Boyd Ozzy Quinton)

Michael Boyd Quinton hails from Detroit and has always preferred high-energy rock and roll to any other genre. Boyd has been in the spotlight most of his life...whether as a semi-pro quarterback or as the front man for some of Detroit’s coolest rock bands!

Blasto (Rob Johannis) - Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals Influenced by all the greats in heavy metal and rock bass playing, Rob was introduced early on to the works of Bob Daisley and Geezer Butler and has always held them in high esteem. His solid, melodic style is a perfect fit for Crazy Babies. From the Flint, MI area, Rob is also an accomplished artist. Keith “ROCK” Holstein - Guitar Keith was born in Detroit Rock City and grew up in Dearborn Michigan. At a very young age, Keith was always banging on the guitar... but when he heard Black Sabbath for the first time, around the age of 13 or 14, he was totally captivated by Black Sabbath and the menacing sound of Tony Iommi’s electric guitar. Not much later did he hear Ozzy and Randy Rhoads and was totally blown away! He had never heard the electric guitar sound quite like this. He now had the inspiration that he would never lose to become a professional guitar player dedicating his life to the craft. There are so many amazing guitar players over the years, but no two guitar players have influenced him more than Randy Rhoads and Tony Iommi. Keith brings an electrifying and mesmerizing likeness of both his heroes to the Crazy Babies stage.

Charlie Smaldino - Drums From Las Vegas, Nevada, Charlie is a dedicated, pro musician who brings a ton of experience with him. In 2004, he toured with OzzFest in his former band MagnaFi and has toured extensively throughout North America and Japan. Charlie’s rocksolid tempo and attention to detail give Crazy Babies their concrete foundation.

Crazy Babies - Ozzy Rebourne has played all the large venues across the states, and many large bikers show, including the well-known Cape Coral Bike Nights, in Florida. There is no better fit for Bike Rallies and events than Ozzy! They recently performed on the Jimmy Fallon produced “Clash of the Cover Bands” in Los Angeles, at Universal Studios. The show was aired on the “E!” Channel. They are currently booked to play this June at ‘Summerfest’ in WI. which is the biggest Music Event/ Festival in the World! They will be performing in other states this year at venues and biker rallies, including the “June Bug Boogie” in Cookeville TN. For booking contact Astar Promotions Nashville 615-618-7646.