**Ozzy Osbourne Reveals Why a Dream Duet with Paul McCartney Remains Out of Reach**
Ozzy Osbourne, known worldwide as the larger-than-life frontman of Black Sabbath, has spoken candidly about his longstanding wish to collaborate with one of his musical idols—Sir Paul McCartney. Despite a career spanning more than half a century and a reputation for fearless musical partnerships, Osbourne has admitted that a duet with the former Beatle is a prospect both tantalising and impossible in equal measure.
Now aged 76, Osbourne remains an active and highly respected figure in the rock world. On a recent episode of his SiriusXM programme, *Ozzy Speaks*, the singer was quizzed by co-host Billy Morrison about any artists he’d still like to work with. Without hesitation, Osbourne named Paul McCartney, now 83, as his ultimate dream collaborator. However, he quickly backtracked, humbly admitting, “I would be honoured but I couldn’t…” The comment revealed a rare moment of modesty from a man frequently described as the ‘Prince of Darkness.’
Osbourne’s admiration for the Beatles has been no secret throughout his career. He has often cited the legendary Liverpool band as a profound inspiration since his formative years in the industrial heartlands of Birmingham. Recalling a previous near-miss, Osbourne described a time he tried to convince McCartney to lend his bass talents to a track he was recording. McCartney, however, graciously declined, insisting he could not improve upon the existing bassline. “Are you kidding? You could p*** on the record and I’d make it my life,” Osbourne joked at the time, highlighting the depth of his respect for the ex-Beatle.
The frontman has also reflected on what could have been with other musical legends. He has openly lamented not being able to collaborate with John Lennon, stating in an interview with *The Sun*: “John Lennon if he was alive. [I’m a] giant f****** Beatles fan. And I’d have to have Jimi Hendrix, right?” These comments underline Osbourne’s enduring reverence for the pioneers who shaped modern music.
Despite his unfulfilled dream of a Beatles collaboration, Osbourne has enjoyed a prolific recording career alongside an impressive roster of guest artists. His most recent solo album, 2022’s *Patient Number 9*, featured contributions from luminaries such as Tony Iommi, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Zakk Wylde, Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready, Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers, the late Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters, Metallica’s Robert Trujillo, Duff McKagan from Guns N’ Roses, and Jane’s Addiction bassist Chris Chaney. This pattern of high-profile artistic partnerships underscores Osbourne’s creative curiosity and enduring popularity within the industry.
Currently, Osbourne is preparing for what is billed as his final performance alongside his Black Sabbath compatriots. The event, named “Back To The Beginning,” is set to take place at Birmingham’s Villa Park on 5 July. The concert marks the end of an era not only for Osbourne but for the millions of fans who have followed Black Sabbath through decades of music history.
In typical Osbourne fashion, the swansong concert will be far from understated. The bill includes a constellation of rock luminaries, with special guest spots for bands and musicians such as Metallica, Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins, Duff McKagan and Slash from Guns N’ Roses, Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst, Korn’s Jonathan Davis, and Scott Ian from Anthrax. The line-up is a testament to Osbourne’s far-reaching influence and the respect he commands among his peers.
As Osbourne contemplates the future and reflects on the collaborations that did and didn’t happen, his candid remarks about Paul McCartney offer a glimpse at the enduring power of musical hero-worship—even for icons themselves. While fans may not hear the distinctive duelling of McCartney’s bass and Osbourne’s unmistakable vocals, the mutual respect between these musical legends continues to inspire and captivate followers of all ages.
As the world prepares to celebrate Osbourne’s storied career—and bid farewell to Black Sabbath—the singer’s humility in the face of his own idols remains just as compelling as his decades of heavy metal anthems.