Black Sabbath sought to bring Zak Starkey on board as their drummer for an upcoming album, set to be recorded in September under the guidance of Rick Rubin, but Starkey declined the offer.
In 2013, Zak Starkey, the former drummer for The Who and Oasis, received an unexpected invitation from Sharon Osbourne to join Black Sabbath. The metal legends were headlining major festivals, including Download and Lollapalooza, and needed a drummer for their final album, 13, produced by Rick Rubin.
Starkey was expected to be involved in the album recording for approximately 2-3 weeks. However, he had prior commitments with The Who and had to decline the offer. This decision, he later conveyed, was one he regretted.
The email invitation from Sharon Osbourne, sent in 2013, explained the need for a drummer to record the album and perform at key festivals, as original Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward was not participating due to contract disagreements. Ozzy Osbourne and the band reunited for the 2013 album and concerts, and Starkey acknowledged the special opportunity he missed.
Zak Starkey's role on Black Sabbath's final album ultimately went to Brad Wilk. The concert film of Black Sabbath's Back To The Beginning gig, produced by Mercury Studios, is set to hit cinemas next year. This film is described as a "love letter to Ozzy and the pioneering sound of Black Sabbath."
Despite missing the opportunity to join Black Sabbath, Starkey has shown his admiration for Ozzy Osbourne, calling him one of the greatest singers of all time. He even recommended Ozzy's album 'Never Say Die'. In a joking manner, Ozzy once suggested that Starkey should have sex with him while singing 'Iron Man'.
Regrettably, news of Ozzy Osbourne's passing on Tuesday casts a sombre tone over this story. More details about the concert film of Black Sabbath's Back To The Beginning gig will be revealed nearer the time. For now, we can only imagine what could have been if Zak Starkey had accepted the offer.
[1] https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/zak-starkey-turned-down-black-sabbath-offer-regrets-it-107393 [2] https://www.nme.com/news/music/zak-starkey-turned-down-black-sabbath-offer-regrets-it-2129821 [3] https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/zak-starkey-regrets-turning-down-black-sabbath-offer/ [4] https://www.loudersound.com/news/zak-starkey-regrets-turning-down-black-sabbath-offer [5] https://www.music-news.com/news/zak-starkey-regrets-turning-down-black-sabbath-offer
- Zak Starkey, admirer of Ozzy Osbourne's music, regretfully missed the opportunity to join Black Sabbath in 2013 when he declined Sharon Osbourne's invitation to record their final album, 13.
- Despite Zak Starkey's later involvement in entertainment, including drumming for The Who, he often reflects on the special opportunity he missed when he declined the offer to join Black Sabbath in their iconic farewell era, contributing to their music on their final album and major festivals.
