Zak Starkey reveals biggest regret after turning down huge Ozzy Osbourne request

Zak Starkey has revealed his one lasting regret as he spoke out following the death of Ozzy Osbourne.The Black Sabbath icondied earlier this week, aged 76, withtributes pouringin from the world of music and beyond.

Ozzy's beloved family announced the sad news on Tuesday, as they shared how the Prince of Darkness was “surrounded by love” at the time of his death. Since then, Ozzy's friends, family, fans andfellow musicians have spoke out about the loss of the rock legend.

Zak, who is The Beatles icon Ringo Starr's son,was among those taking to social media to share tributes to Ozzy. The drummer, who has played with the likes of The Who and Oasis, posted an email he had received from Ozzy's wife and manager Sharon Osbourne.

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She had reached out to Zak ahead of Black Sabbath's tour in 2013 and asked if he would join the band. Sharon's message read: "Zak, Black Sabbath is headlining Download 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.”

Sharon added a touch of humour as she joked: “Also, Ozzy wants to have sex with you while he is singing ‘Iron Man’. Big Kiss, Sharon." However, Zak revealed he turned down the offer due to other commitments with The Who.

He performed with the band at the 2012 Olympics closing ceremony in London as well as their Quadrophenia and More tour, which spanned across 2012 and 2013.

Opening up on how he feels about turning down Ozzy, Zak 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 u aren’t familiar with the ‘Never Say Die’ record – get into it – it’s so far out.”

Ozzyplayed his epic farewell showin his hometown of Birmingham just over two weeks before his death. He was joined by huge stars across rock at his Back to the Beginning concert where he took to the stage as a solo artists and with Black Sabbath for one last time.

It saw him raise "a ton of money" for charity as Guns N’ Roses, KoRn, Tool, Slayer, Pantera, Metallica, Alice In Chains, Gojira, Anthrax and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler all performed.

Ozzy's death was announced by his devastated family, with a statement telling fans: "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning.

"He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis."

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