Even after decades as the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne still has musical dreams left unfulfilled—and at the top of his list is a duet with none other than Paul McCartney.
Speaking on a recent episode of Ozzy Speaks on SiriusXM, the Black Sabbath frontman didn’t hesitate when co-host Billy Morrison asked if there was anyone he’d still like to collaborate with. “Paul McCartney,” Ozzy answered without missing a beat.
Morrison wasn’t shocked, responding, “We’ve put that out into the ether before, and I think it’s good that we have this show so we can both say, ‘Paul, if you’re listening, it’s about time.’”
Though clearly honored by the idea, Osbourne was quick to second-guess himself. “I would be honoured, but I couldn’t,” he said, doubting whether he could match McCartney’s legendary vocal chops. Morrison tried to lift his spirits, reminding him of past vocal performances like ‘Crack Cocaine’, which showcased his range and power.
“I’ve been studying The Beatles,” Ozzy mused. “Paul had the high notes, Lennon had the low harmony. And I thought, ‘Fuck me. I always go high.’”
Despite his modesty, the Sabbath icon has nothing but praise for McCartney, calling him “a really nice man” and recalling how gracious the Beatle had been when they’d previously crossed paths.
Ozzy is currently gearing up for what may be his final live performance—a massive hometown farewell in Birmingham on July 5th. It will be the first time in two decades that the original Black Sabbath lineup—Ozzy, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, and Tony Iommi—share the stage as a four-piece. The event also boasts a colossal lineup featuring Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Alice In Chains, and more.
Still, Osbourne’s health remains a concern, with the frontman acknowledging that it could affect his ability to perform. But one thing’s clear—if he had the chance to sing alongside Paul McCartney, it would be a career high note he’d never forget.
