Almost every rock and metal drummer dreams of the opportunity to collaborate with the iconic band Black Sabbath. Surprisingly, one individual who received this extraordinary offer but ultimately declined is former The Who and Oasis drummer Zak Starkey. In retrospect, he has openly expressed his regret for not seizing the chance to join the pioneers of heavy metal more than a decade ago.

Zak Starkey Reflects on His Missed Opportunity with Black Sabbath

Following the passing of legendary singer Ozzy Osbourne on July 22, 2025, countless fans, friends, and colleagues have paid their respects to this rock icon. This includes Starkey, who shared a heartfelt tribute on July 23, revealing that Sharon Osbourne had approached him in 2012 to fill the drummer position for the band.

In his Instagram tribute, Starkey posted an image of an email from Sharon, which reads:

Zak,

Black Sabbath is headlining Download Festival on June 10 and then Lollapalooza in August. 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. Also, Ozzy wants to have sex with you while he is singing Iron Man.

Big Kiss,

Sharon

Alongside the email image, Starkey shared:

Regrets I’ve had a few – this is one – (not the sex part!) Ozzy 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 you aren’t familiar with the Never Say Die record – get into it – it’s so far out – X

You can view Starkey’s poignant post below (via Stereogum):

Interestingly, Starkey does not provide any insight into why he chose not to accept the offer, despite several inquiries in the comments. However, Stereogum notes that Starkey was dealing with a tendon issue in 2013, which may have influenced his decision to decline the invitation.

The album that Sharon Osbourne mentioned is Black Sabbath’s final studio LP, 13, released in 2013. This marked their first album since 1995’s Forbidden. Although it did not feature original drummer Bill Ward, it was significant as it reunited the other three original members: guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, for the first time on a Black Sabbath studio record since 1978’s Never Say Die!

The reason the band required a new drummer for 13 was that their current touring drummer, Tommy Clufetos, who had replaced Ward earlier that year, was completing his obligations. Ultimately, Brad Wilk from Rage Against the Machine played on 13, and both Starkey and Wilk contributed to Black Sabbath’s final EP, titled The End, released in 2016.

Would you have liked to see and hear Starkey perform with Black Sabbath during the summer of 2012 and contribute to 13? We would love to hear your thoughts!

READ MORE: 25 Photos of Birmingham Transforming Into Tribute Hub For Ozzy Osbourne

The Legacy of Black Sabbath’s Drummers: A Rich History

It is essential to recognize that Bill Ward was the very first and last drummer for Black Sabbath, reuniting with his former bandmates for their monumental final concert, Back to the Beginning, on July 5, 2025, in Birmingham, England. Throughout their storied career spanning over 55 years, Ward returned and departed from the band multiple times, with several other talented drummers, including Clufetos and Wilk, stepping in to fill the role.

For example, Vinny Appice, who played with both Black Sabbath and Heaven and Hell, contributed to classic albums like Mob Rules (1981) and Dehumanizer (1992). Additionally, renowned drummer Cozy Powell joined the band for 1989’s Headless Cross and 1990’s Tyr, while Bobby Rondinelli played on 1994’s Cross Purposes.

Latest Developments in Zak Starkey’s Musical Journey

Unfortunately, Starkey has encountered several missed opportunities to reflect upon in 2025. Earlier this year, he was let go twice from The Who, the band he had been a part of since 1996. Guitarist and vocalist Pete Townshend stated that “the time has come for a change,” expressing well wishes for Starkey, who has numerous new projects in the pipeline.

At the end of May, Loudwire reported that Starkey was “gutted” about not participating in Oasis’ much-anticipated 2025 reunion tour. In an interview with BBC Breakfast (via NME), Starkey, who was with Oasis from 2004 to 2008, remarked: “I texted them and asked, ‘Why am I not in it?’” He acknowledged understanding the band’s decision to choose Joey Waronker instead, noting that “if you get a new drummer, you get comfortable, don’t you? You get comfortable with new musicians, and I think that’s what’s happened, and I’m alright with that.”

Recent News About Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne

The past few weeks have been eventful for both the Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne camps.

Recently, it was announced that a concert film about one of their shows is set to hit theaters in 2026. Members of legendary bands such as Mötley Crüe, Soundgarden, and Megadeth have also addressed why their respective bands were not present at this historic event.

Ozzy’s passing has left a profound impact on the entire rock and metal community, and it’s no surprise that tributes continue to pour in. Esteemed musicians and fans alike, including Black Sabbath members, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, Tony Iommi, as well as David Lee Roth, Billy Corgan, and Zakk Wylde, have shared their heartfelt remembrances. Even beloved characters like Kermit the Frog and PETA have expressed kind words in tribute to him.

In addition to this, Ozzy has recently announced his second memoir, titled Last Rites, and his final social media post has transformed into an online memorial for fans to celebrate his legacy.

Rest in Peace, Prince of Darkness.