That truly is one of the strangest and most unexpected musical collaborations—Ozzy Osbourne covering the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” with Dweezil Zappa on guitar.
Originally recorded for Dweezil’s Confessions album, the version with Ozzy’s vocals was shelved by the record label, who likely thought the pairing of a heavy metal icon with a disco anthem was too bizarre for release. Instead, Donny Osmond re-recorded the vocals for the official album version—another unexpected twist. However, the Ozzy version didn’t vanish entirely: it was later released on his Prince of Darkness box set, where fans could finally hear this surreal interpretation of a disco classic through the lens of metal and satire.
Dweezil Zappa, known for his technical prowess and experimental flair, proved to be the perfect musical partner for such an offbeat project. Son of the legendary Frank Zappa, Dweezil grew up surrounded by genre-defying music. By the time he was 12, he was recording under the mentorship of Eddie Van Halen and would later go on to preserve his father’s legacy through his project Zappa Plays Zappa—featuring members from Frank’s original bands.
What makes the Ozzy/Dweezil version of “Stayin’ Alive” even more intriguing is its tongue-in-cheek defiance of genre norms. Ozzy, known for dark and heavy tones, delivers the iconic disco melody with a wink, while Dweezil unleashes blistering guitar riffs that give the track a surreal, almost parody-like energy. It’s a mashup that should never have worked—yet somehow does.
If you ever wondered what would happen if Black Sabbath, The Bee Gees, and Zappa DNA collided in a recording studio, look no further. This is it. Unlikely, unforgettable—and very real.
Want to hear it for yourself? Look up “Stayin’ Alive – Ozzy Osbourne & Dweezil Zappa (Prince of Darkness Box Set)” on your preferred music platform or YouTube. You won’t believe your ears.