Former The Who drummer Zak Starkey recently revealed a 2011 email from Sharon Osbourne that included an unusual joke while offering him the drummer position for Black Sabbath’s reunion. He shared this on Instagram.
The email detailed Black Sabbath’s upcoming performances and recording plans. It concluded with Sharon’s bizarre humor about Ozzy’s alleged request.
“Zak, Black Sabbath is headlining Download on June 10 and then Lollapalooza in August,” the email read. “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 then added her characteristic joke to close the message.
“Also, Ozzy wants to have sex with you while he is singing ‘Iron Man’. Big Kiss, Sharon,” the email concluded.
Starkey reflected on the missed opportunity in his Instagram post. He expressed both regret and admiration for Ozzy.
“Regrets, I’ve had a few -this is one – (not the sex part!),” Starkey wrote. “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 u aren’t familiar with the ‘Never Say Die’ record – get into it – it’s so far out.”
The revelation comes during a difficult period for the Osbourne family. Starkey referenced this in his supportive message.
This email exchange takes on added significance given the band’s recent history and final chapter. Black Sabbath’s journey ultimately concluded with a poignant farewell that demonstrated both the enduring bond between the original members and their commitment to charitable causes.
Wikipedia reported that Black Sabbath’s original lineup reunited for a farewell show on July 5, 2025, named “Back to the Beginning.” The concert was held at Villa Park in Birmingham, near the band’s birthplace. The concert marked both Sabbath and Ozzy’s final live performances. It served as a benefit event that raised £140 million for children’s and Parkinson’s charities. Osbourne sang seated due to advanced Parkinson’s disease.
Louder Sound revealed that Sharon Osbourne explained the reunion was driven by Ozzy himself. He maintained constant contact with the other band members, making it a heartfelt farewell for charity. The event featured support from major acts including Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, Gojira, Halestorm, and Alice In Chains. This underscored its significance in the metal community.
The farewell show was not without its challenges behind the scenes. American Songwriter noted that Sharon Osbourne recently promised to disclose the identity of a major band removed from the farewell show lineup. This happened due to a conflict involving the band’s management seeking profit from the charity event. She described this decision as one of the hardest she’s faced. This highlighted the challenges of organizing what was intended to be a pure tribute to Black Sabbath and Ozzy’s legacy.
Tragically, Ozzy passed away just 17 days after the farewell performance at age 76. This made the reunion even more meaningful as a final celebration of the band’s extraordinary legacy and their lasting impact on heavy metal music.
