Band in need of a drummer for their upcoming September album, with Rick Rubin as producer, announces that Zak Starkey previously declined an offer to join Black Sabbath.
Zak Starkey Regrets Turning Down Offer to Join Black Sabbath
In 2013, Zak Starkey, drummer for The Who and Oasis, received an unexpected invitation from Sharon Osbourne to join Black Sabbath. The offer came at a critical time when the iconic rock band was preparing to headline major music festivals and work with producer Rick Rubin on a new album.
The invitation stated that Starkey was needed for 2-3 weeks for the album recording and also requested him to play at Lollapalooza in Chicago on August 3. However, Starkey had prior commitments with The Who and had to decline the offer.
Reflecting on this decision after Ozzy Osbourne's passing, Starkey expressed regret over missing such a significant opportunity in rock history. He sent condolences to Ozzy Osbourne's family and expressed admiration for the legendary singer, recommending listening to the album "Never Say Die."
Joining Black Sabbath would have been a major career move, but Starkey felt a strong sense of loyalty and integrity toward his involvement with The Who. This missed collaboration remains an iconic "what if" moment in the rock community, especially considering the profound legacy of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath.
Meanwhile, a concert film of Black Sabbath's Back To The Beginning gig is in production and will hit cinemas next year. The film is being produced by Mercury Studios and is described as a "love letter to Ozzy and the pioneering sound of Black Sabbath." More details about the film will be revealed closer to its release.
In a lighter note, Sharon Osbourne jokingly mentioned that Ozzy wanted to have sex with Zak while singing 'Iron Man.' Despite the missed opportunity, it's clear that the respect and admiration between the two musicians was mutual.
[1] The Guardian [2] NME [3] Rolling Stone [4] Billboard [5] Classic Rock Magazine
1.venturing the opportunity to work with such pop-culture icons as Black SabbathWould have been a remarkable addition to his music career, given that Zak Starkey could have showcased his skills alongside celebrities like Ozzy Osbourne during live performances and album recording sessions.
- It's fascinating to ponder how the fusion of Starkey's talents with Black Sabbath's pioneering sound in beloved entertainment pieces like 'Iron Man' or their impactful pop-culture moments may have reshaped the global music scene and the band's legacy.
