Zakk Wylde Confirms Ozzy Osbourne Was Planning New Record, With A Twist

In the months since Ozzy Osbourne’s passing, guitarist Zakk Wylde has revealed something heavy, he and the Prince of Darkness were gearing up for a new album together. What’s more, Ozzy already had the sound in mind.

Speaking with NJ.com on November 7, Wylde looked back at their last show together, admitting he tried to “stay positive” about what came next despite Ozzy’s medical issues. “I just figured we’ll do the gig, and then who knows?” he said.

Then came the text message. According to Wylde:

“He was texting me, ‘Zakk, let’s do another record. Because I really loved it when you were going through your Allman Brothers, Skynyrd phase when we did ‘No More Tears.’ It’s heavy but it’s more melodic, it’s not pummeling heavy.’ So I said, ‘Alright Oz, whatever you want.’”

The mention of that era specific tone, a mix of bulk and melody that defined their early ’90s collaboration hints at what the duo had in mind. While they never got to make it, the intention was unmistakable.

Wylde also reflected on how Ozzy managed to wrap up many of his projects before he passed:

“We did the show, he ended up finishing his book [Last Rites], they did the documentary […], and then he was like, ‘All right, I’m out of here.’ He finished everything he had to do and then he was like, ‘All right, I’m done.’”

On the emotional side, Wylde admitted he had expected their end game to be different. After performing “Mama I’m Coming Home” and “Crazy Train” together, he said:

“I didn’t think after we got done doing (…) this is going to be the last time we’re ever going to play or I’m ever going to see Sabbath again. I just figured we’re going to hook up again when Ozzy’s doing another record.”

So what do we make of this? Here’s what stands out:

• Ozzy wasn’t simply retiring, he had creative plans that included Wylde.
• The vibe wasn’t about raw aggression; it was about melody and refinement.
• Unfortunately, time ran out, but the conversation happened.
• We’re left with the “what could have been”, and a reminder of how much heavy music lost.

For fans of both Ozzy Osbourne and Zakk Wylde, this glimpse behind the curtain is bittersweet. The album may never arrive, but the vision of it lives on in that text, that intention, that moment. How do you feel about what might have been between these two metal heavyweights?