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In the days following the death of legendary Black Sabbath<\/a><\/strong><\/strong> frontman Ozzy Osbourne<\/strong>, a wave of tributes has continued to pour in from across the music world. Among them is drummer Zak Starkey<\/strong> \u2014 known for his work with The Who<\/strong>, Oasis<\/strong>, and Mantra of the Cosmos<\/strong> \u2014 who shared a personal and previously unrevealed story involving the iconic metal band. Starkey<\/strong> revealed that he was once invited to join Black Sabbath<\/a><\/strong><\/strong> for their 2013 reunion activities, including the recording of their final studio album 13<\/em> and several major live shows.<\/p>\n In the screenshot shared by Starkey<\/strong>, fans got a look at an email from none other than Sharon Osbourne<\/strong>, Ozzy<\/strong>‘s wife and longtime manager. Dated ahead of the band’s 2013 tour plans, the message invited Starkey<\/strong> to join the group for key performances and studio sessions.<\/p>\n “Zak<\/strong>, Black Sabbath<\/a><\/strong><\/strong> is headlining Download on June 10 and then Lollapalooza in August,” Sharon<\/strong> wrote. “The guys need a drummer for their album, which will be recorded in September with Rick Rubin<\/strong> producing. We would probably need you for 2-3 weeks for the album. Also, they need a drummer to play at Lollapalooza which is on August 3 in Chicago.”<\/p>\n Sharon<\/strong> closed the email with a bit of humor, writing: “Also, Ozzy<\/strong> wants to have sex with you while he is singing ‘Iron Man’. Big Kiss, Sharon<\/strong>.”<\/p>\n Despite the once-in-a-lifetime offer, Starkey<\/strong> had to decline. At the time, he was fully committed to ongoing work with The Who<\/strong>, including performing during the closing ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics, the high-profile Concert For Sandy Relief event, and the band’s extensive Quadrophenia and More tour, which ran through 2012 and 2013.<\/p>\n “I’ve had a few regrets \u2013 this is one \u2013 (not the sex part!),” Starkey<\/strong> joked in the caption of his post. “Ozzy<\/strong> will always be one of the greatest, natural, brilliant singers of all time. I send much love and strength to his family at this sad sad time. If u aren’t familiar with the Never Say Die<\/em> record \u2013 get into it \u2013 it’s so far out.”<\/p>\n After Starkey<\/strong> passed on the role, Black Sabbath<\/a><\/strong><\/strong> brought in Rage Against the Machine<\/strong> and Audioslave<\/strong> drummer Brad Wilk<\/strong> to record the 13<\/em> album with Rick Rubin<\/strong> at the helm. For live performances on that tour, the band turned to Tommy Clufetos<\/strong>, who had previously drummed for Ozzy<\/strong>‘s solo band.<\/p>\n The story adds another layer of context around the absence of founding Black Sabbath<\/a><\/strong><\/strong> drummer Bill Ward<\/strong>, who had been expected to rejoin the band for the 13 era. Ward ultimately did not participate due to long-standing disputes over contractual terms and personal grievances, which left the door open for alternate players. His absence was deeply felt by longtime fans, and it remained a sore point among those who had hoped to see the original Black Sabbath<\/a><\/strong> lineup together one last time.<\/p>\n Enter your information below to get a daily update with all of our headlines and receive The Orchard Metal newsletter.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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