Overview
- On July 23, Starkey posted a note from Sharon Osbourne revealing she had asked him to drum on Black Sabbath’s festival dates and album sessions in 2012.
- Sharon’s message outlined slots at Download Festival, Lollapalooza in Chicago and studio time with producer Rick Rubin for the band’s album 13.
- Starkey attributed his decision to a tendon injury and ongoing commitments as The Who’s drummer, which kept him off the road that summer.
- After Starkey declined, Black Sabbath enlisted Tommy Clufetos for live shows and Rage Against the Machine’s Brad Wilk for the studio recordings.
- His public reflection follows Ozzy Osbourne’s death on July 22, prompting the drummer to label the missed opportunity as a lasting regret.