Ozzy Osbourne-Van Halen Brothers Album Never Materialized

Alex Van Halen reveals talks happened, but The Osbournes TV show got in the way

Feb. 25, 2026 at 12:55pm

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Alex Van Halen confirmed that discussions were had about a potential album pairing him and Eddie Van Halen with Ozzy Osbourne, but the launch of The Osbournes reality TV show ultimately prevented the collaboration from happening. The Van Halen brothers had met with Sharon Osbourne about the idea around 2000, but the next day she informed them she had a meeting about the TV show, and the project never came to fruition.

Why it matters

This story provides insight into a potential rock supergroup that never materialized, highlighting the impact that external factors like television deals can have on the music industry. It also sheds light on the long-standing friendship and mutual respect between Ozzy Osbourne and the Van Halen brothers.

The details

According to Alex Van Halen, he and his brother Eddie had met with Sharon Osbourne about the possibility of collaborating on an album with Ozzy Osbourne. The discussions had progressed to the point where they were ready to move forward, but Sharon then informed them that she had a meeting the next day about a potential TV show, which ended up being The Osbournes. This new television opportunity took priority, and the Ozzy-Van Halen brothers album never came to be.

  • Around 2000, the Van Halen brothers met with Sharon Osbourne to discuss a potential collaboration with Ozzy Osbourne.
  • The next day after their meeting, Sharon Osbourne informed the Van Halen brothers that she had a meeting about a new TV show, which ended up being The Osbournes.

The players

Alex Van Halen

The drummer of the rock band Van Halen, who confirmed the discussions about a potential collaboration with Ozzy Osbourne.

Eddie Van Halen

The guitarist of the rock band Van Halen, who was also involved in the discussions about a potential collaboration with Ozzy Osbourne.

Ozzy Osbourne

The legendary heavy metal singer, who was in talks with the Van Halen brothers about a potential collaborative album.

Sharon Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne's wife and manager, who informed the Van Halen brothers about a meeting for a new TV show, which ended up being The Osbournes.

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What they’re saying

“We got together and the final thing we talked about was she says, 'Ok, sounds like a good idea. Let's do that. Let's make a record together. Only one thing. I have a meeting tomorrow with some people about a television show,'”

— Alex Van Halen

“When you get a dog, you don't expect it to be a cat. When you get an Ozzy, you get Ozzy. Play the music, he'll sing and it's gonna be great.”

— Alex Van Halen

“It is something that if it had come to fruition, would have been phenomenal. Eddie and Alex were great friends of mine for a very long time and it's a regret of mine that we never got it together. The Osbournes got in the way of creating new music at that time, unfortunately.”

— Ozzy Osbourne

The takeaway

This story highlights how external factors, like the launch of a high-profile reality TV show, can derail promising musical collaborations, even between respected artists. It serves as a reminder that the music industry is often shaped by factors beyond just the creative process.