Saturday, December 6, 2025

ZAK STARKEY Reveals He Was Initially Requested To Be BLACK SABBATH’s Drummer For Their 2011 Reunion

Within the days following the loss of life of legendary Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, a wave of tributes has continued to pour in from throughout the music world. Amongst them is drummer Zak Starkey — identified for his work with The Who, Oasis, and Mantra of the Cosmos — who shared a private and beforehand unrevealed story involving the long-lasting metallic band. Starkey revealed that he was as soon as invited to affix Black Sabbath for his or her 2013 reunion actions, together with the recording of their closing studio album 13 and a number of other main reside exhibits.

Within the screenshot shared by Starkey, followers acquired a have a look at an e-mail from none apart from Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy‘s spouse and longtime supervisor. Dated forward of the band’s 2013 tour plans, the message invited Starkey to affix the group for key performances and studio classes.

Zak, Black Sabbath is headlining Obtain on June 10 after which Lollapalooza in August,” Sharon wrote. “The blokes want a drummer for his or her album, which shall be recorded in September with Rick Rubin producing. We’d in all probability want you for 2-3 weeks for the album. Additionally, they want a drummer to play at Lollapalooza which is on August 3 in Chicago.”

Sharon closed the e-mail with a little bit of humor, writing: “Additionally, Ozzy needs to have intercourse with you whereas he’s singing ‘Iron Man’. Huge Kiss, Sharon.”

Regardless of the once-in-a-lifetime supply, Starkey needed to decline. On the time, he was absolutely dedicated to ongoing work with The Who, together with performing through the closing ceremony of the 2012 Summer time Olympics, the high-profile Live performance For Sandy Aid occasion, and the band’s in depth Quadrophenia and Extra tour, which ran by way of 2012 and 2013.

“I’ve had a couple of regrets – that is one – (not the intercourse half!),” Starkey joked within the caption of his publish. “Ozzy will at all times be one of many biggest, pure, good singers of all time. I ship a lot love and power to his household at this unhappy unhappy time. If u aren’t accustomed to the By no means Say Die document – get into it – it is so far out.”

After Starkey handed on the position, Black Sabbath introduced in Rage In opposition to the Machine and Audioslave drummer Brad Wilk to document the 13 album with Rick Rubin on the helm. For reside performances on that tour, the band turned to Tommy Clufetos, who had beforehand drummed for Ozzy‘s solo band.

The story provides one other layer of context across the absence of founding Black Sabbath drummer Invoice Ward, who had been anticipated to rejoin the band for the 13 period. Ward finally didn’t take part resulting from long-standing disputes over contractual phrases and private grievances, which left the door open for alternate gamers. His absence was deeply felt by longtime followers, and it remained a sore level amongst those that had hoped to see the unique Black Sabbath lineup collectively one final time.

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