The Unlikely Collaboration Between Ozzy Osbourne and Kim Basinger

One of the most intriguing tales in music history revolves around a nearly forgotten collaboration that could have paired Ozzy Osbourne with pop icon Madonna. Instead, it resulted in a unique partnership between Ozzy and actress Kim Basinger. This fascinating story was shared during a recent episode of the “Trying Not to Die” podcast featuring Ozzy’s sons, Jack and Louis Osbourne.

Background on the Ozzy Osbourne and Madonna Collaboration

During the podcast discussion, Louis Osbourne brought attention to the lesser-known collaboration from the 1980s between the band Was (Not Was) and Kim Basinger, which included guest vocals from Ozzy Osbourne. Surprisingly, the track was originally intended to showcase Madonna. Louis explained, “Was Not Was did a duet with Madonna. It was written for Madonna and Was Not Was, and she really popped in the early ’80s.” However, Madonna did not approve the record, leading to its cancellation.

As a result, the producers decided to pivot and approached Kim Basinger, who was experiencing a major surge in her acting career at that time, to record the song instead. Louis remarked, “So somewhere out there, there is a duet recording of Madonna and dad that has never ever seen the light of day.” He also recounted an amusing memory of hearing the song in a dance club and recognizing his father’s voice.

Jack Osbourne chimed in, noting that the collaboration was not widely recognized. “Commercially, it was promoted as Was Not Was and Kim Basinger. They didn’t really push that it was my dad as well,” he stated, speculating that the record label chose to market it differently.

Was (Not Was)’ “Shake Your Head” Featuring Kim Basinger and Ozzy Osbourne

The Story Behind “Shake Your Head”

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Don Was of Was (Not Was) shared insights into the track “Shake Your Head.” He recalled that when they initially recorded it in 1983, Madonna had not yet reached her iconic status. “She did a great job… but it didn’t sound like Was (Not Was) to me anymore,” he explained. This led to the decision to feature Ozzy Osbourne in the song instead.

According to Was, they realized years later that they had two major music stars—Ozzy and Madonna—on parallel tracks. After remixing the song, they presented it to Madonna, who ultimately rejected it. This prompted Was (Not Was) to invite Kim Basinger to record the original parts sung by Madonna. Although the remix never gained traction in the U.S., “Shake Your Head” became one of Was (Not Was)’s most successful tracks in the U.K., peaking at No. 4 on the charts in 1992.

Conclusion

The collaboration that almost was—Ozzy Osbourne and Madonna—stands as a tantalizing “what if” in music history. Instead, we were gifted with a unique blend of voices from Ozzy and Kim Basinger, showcasing the unpredictability of the music industry. This story not only highlights the fascinating intersections of fame and creativity but also serves as a reminder that sometimes, the road not taken can lead to unexpected and delightful outcomes.

FAQs

Was Ozzy Osbourne’s collaboration with Kim Basinger widely recognized?

No, it was not widely promoted as featuring Ozzy Osbourne, which led to many fans being unaware of his contribution to the track.

What is the song that features both Kim Basinger and Ozzy Osbourne?

The song is “Shake Your Head” by Was (Not Was), which features guest vocals from Ozzy Osbourne alongside Kim Basinger.

Why did Madonna not continue with the collaboration for the song?

Madonna did not approve the record after initially recording it, leading the producers to seek out Kim Basinger instead.

When was “Shake Your Head” released?

The song was released in 1992, nearly a decade after it was originally conceived.