Zak Starkey Says He Was First Choice To Drum For Black Sabbath’s 2011 Reunion

In the wake of Ozzy Osbourne‘s recent passing, tributes continue to emerge, shedding new light on the influential rocker’s legacy. Among these is a surprising revelation from drummer Zak Starkey, known for his work with The Who, Oasis, and Mantra of the Cosmos. Starkey recently disclosed that he was extended an invitation to join Black Sabbath for their highly anticipated 2013 reunion, including sessions for their final studio album, 13, and prominent live engagements.

The revelation came through a screenshot shared by Starkey, featuring an email from Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy‘s wife and long-time manager. The message, dated prior to the band’s 2013 touring schedule, outlined an offer for Starkey to serve as the drummer for key performances and studio recordings.

“Zak, Black Sabbath is headlining Download on June 10 and then Lollapalooza in August,” Sharon wrote in the email. “The guys need a drummer for their album, which will be recorded in September with Rick Rubin 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.” Sharon concluded the message with a touch of characteristic humor, adding: “Also, Ozzy wants to have s*x with you while he is singing ‘Iron Man‘. Big Kiss, Sharon.”

Despite this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the legendary heavy metal band, Starkey ultimately had to decline the offer. At the time, he was deeply committed to his ongoing work with The Who, which included a high-profile performance during the closing ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics, participation in the Concert For Sandy Relief event, and The Who’s extensive “Quadrophenia and More” tour, which ran throughout 2012 and 2013.

Starkey expressed his reflections on the missed opportunity in his accompanying social media post, jokingly stating: “I’ve had a few regrets – this is one – (not the s*x part!).” He further extended his heartfelt condolences to the Osbourne family, praising Ozzy as “one of the greatest, natural, brilliant singers of all time.” Starkey also took the opportunity to recommend a lesser-known Black Sabbath album to fans, urging them to “get into” the Never Say Die record, describing it as “so far out.”

Following Starkey‘s decision to pass on the role, Black Sabbath enlisted Brad Wilk, the drummer for Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, to record the 13 album under the production of Rick Rubin. For the subsequent live performances supporting the album, Tommy Clufetos, who had previously played in Ozzy‘s solo band, took over the drumming duties.

This previously untold story offers additional context to the absence of founding Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward during the 13 era. Ward‘s non-participation stemmed from long-standing disputes over contractual terms and personal grievances, which ultimately created the opening for other drummers to be considered. His absence was keenly felt by many longtime fans, who had hoped to witness the original Black Sabbath lineup perform together one final time.

“Back To The Beginning” performance at Villa Park in Birmingham on July 5 served as a personal and public farewell for Ozzy and Black Sabbath original lineup. Prior to the event, Ozzy had expressed the profound significance of this final gig. “It’s my final encore; it’s my chance to say thank you to my fans for always supporting me and being there for me. I couldn’t have done my final show anywhere else. I had to go back to the beginning.”