Ozzy Osbourne’s Son Louis Reveals Scrapped Madonna Duet Exists: ‘It Was When Dad Was Popping in the ‘80s’

Ozzy Osbourne’s Son Louis Reveals Scrapped Madonna Duet Exists

Louis Osbourne recently unveiled that a previously unreleased duet between his father, Ozzy Osbourne, and Madonna from the 1980s exists. The track, titled “Shake Your Head,” was originally intended for Madonna and Was (Not Was) but ended up featuring Kim Basinger’s vocals on the 1983 album ‘Born to Laugh at Tornadoes.’

During a podcast episode of ‘Trying Not to Die’ on Tuesday, November 18, Louis Osbourne shared insights into the collaboration. His brother Jack Osbourne reminisced about Ozzy’s love for female vocalists and even mentioned Sharon Osbourne’s desire for Ozzy to produce a duet album entirely with female singers.

Highlighting the rare gem in his collection, Louis mentioned a 12″ vinyl at home that would excite Ozzy’s fans. He confirmed that “Shake Your Head” was a collaborative effort between Madonna, Was (Not Was), and his father, hinting at the vibrant music scene during the early ’80s.

Louis recalled that Madonna was initially supposed to be part of the project during her rise to stardom, but due to undisclosed reasons, the track didn’t receive her approval. Consequently, Kim Basinger stepped in, reflecting the dynamic nature of the music industry during that era.

Discussing Madonna’s vocals on the track, Don Was, in an interview with Rolling Stone in October 2025, praised her performance but noted a shift in the song’s essence. The decision to bring Ozzy in to rap over the electro-pop tune led to a remix that never made it to the U.S. market but gained popularity internationally.

The revelation of this scrapped duet sheds light on the collaborative spirit and creative processes within the music industry. Despite facing obstacles in its release, the legacy of “Shake Your Head” lives on, showcasing the artistic experimentation that defined the music landscape of the ’80s.

Louis Osbourne’s revelation adds a fascinating chapter to the intertwined histories of iconic musicians like Ozzy Osbourne and Madonna. The existence of this lost duet continues to captivate music enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the industry.

The story behind the unreleased duet serves as a reminder of the complexities and creative challenges faced by artists striving to push boundaries and create innovative music. As fans eagerly await the opportunity to experience the track, its legacy endures as a testament to the enduring allure of music collaborations.

The legacy of this shelved Madonna-Ozzy Osbourne duet serves as a poignant reminder of the music industry’s unpredictable nature and the gems that can emerge from artistic collaborations. Despite the track remaining undiscovered by many, its existence fuels curiosity and intrigue surrounding the era in which it was crafted.