Our old pal and fully sentient human being, Ozzy Osbourne recently filed a lawsuit against Tony Iommi in an attempt to reclaim a stake in the Black Sabbath name. Ozzy claims that Iommi wrongfully stole ownership of the Black Sabbath name and brand sometime during the 80's when Ozzy was either passed out in a gutter or making Scrooge McDuck money as a solo artist. The Ozzy/Sharon two headed beast is suing for a 50% stake in the Sabbath name which is completely fair because A. Ozzy didn't write most of the classic Black Sabbath songs and B. because Ozzy comprises only 25% of the original lineup.

Ozzy released the below statement which was most likely drafted by his handlers.

“It is with great regret that I had to resort to legal action against my long term partner, Tony Iommi, but after three years of trying to resolve this issue amicably, I feel I have no other recourse. As of the mid-1990’s, after constant and numerous changes in band members, the brand of ‘Black Sabbath’ was literally in the toilet and Tony Iommi (touring under the name Black Sabbath) was reduced to performing in clubs. Since 1997 when Geezer, Bill and myself rejoined the band, Black Sabbath has returned to its former glory as we headlined sold-out arenas and amphitheatres playing to upwards of 50,000 people at each show around the world.

We worked collectively to restore credibility and bring dignity back to the name ‘Black Sabbath’ which lead to the band being inducted into the UK and US Rock & Roll Hall of Fames in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Throughout the last 12 years, it was my management representatives who oversaw the marketing and quality control of the ‘Black Sabbath’ brand through OZZFEST, touring, merchandising and album reissues. The name “Black Sabbath” now has a worldwide prestige and merchandising value that it would not have had by continuing on the road it was on prior to the 1997 reunion tour.

Tony, I am so sorry it’s had to get to this point by me having to take this action against you. I don’t have the right to speak for Geezer and Bill, but I feel that morally and ethically the trademark should be owned by the four of us equally. I hope that by me taking this first step that it will ultimately end up that way. We’ve all worked too hard and long in our careers to allow you to sell merchandise that features all our faces, old Black Sabbath album covers and band logos, and then you tell us that you own the copyright. We’re all in our 60’s now. The Black Sabbath legacy should live on long after we have all gone. Please do the right thing.”

BnR Translation:
Tony, Sharon wrote most of this because we didn't want people to think that Sharon is a money-hungry, power-hungry manipulator that leads her hen-pecked husband around by the testicles. I know you're solely responsible for Black Sabbath's success and I've gained everything riding on the coat-tails of the talent of you and Geezer but just please give Sharon the money. P.S. please don't collaborate with Bruce Dickinson.