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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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Ozzy Sues Bandmate Over Sabbath Name

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(Newser) – Trouble in heavy metal land. Ozzy Osbourne is suing Black Sabbath bandmate Tommy Iommi over rights to the band's name—and its lucrative merchandise, reports Rolling Stone. Ozzy says Iommi illegally took ownership of the name when he toured in the 1990s without the original band members. The prince of darkness maintains that the Sabbath reunion in 1997 brought its reputation out of “the toilet,” and rights should be shared equally among the original four members.

“It is with great regret that I had to resort to legal action,” Osbourne said in a statement released yesterday, adding that he tried “to resolve this issue amicably.” The singer made a point that before the reunion, Iommi “was reduced to performing in clubs. Since 1997 when Geezer, Bill and myself rejoined the band, Black Sabbath has returned to its former glory.” He closes with a plea: “The Black Sabbath legacy should live on long after we have all gone. Please do the right thing.”

Ozzy Osbourne.
Ozzy Osbourne.   (AP Photo)
Ozzy Osbourne performs.
Ozzy Osbourne performs.   (AP Photo)
Tony Iommi, left, and Geezer Butler of the band Black Sabbath.
Tony Iommi, left, and Geezer Butler of the band Black Sabbath.   (AP Photo)
American rocker Kerry King of Slayer presents British guitarist Tony Iommi the 'Metal Guru' award at the Third Annual Classic Rock Roll of Honor.
American rocker Kerry King of Slayer presents British guitarist Tony Iommi the 'Metal Guru' award at the Third Annual Classic Rock Roll of Honor.   (AP Photo)
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Reader64481089
May 30, 09 12:46 PM CDT
As someone who was there in the day of the original Black Sabbath Ozzy has a point as well as the right to do this. Iommi is once more out of line just as he was when he played God and told Ozzy that he was no longer needed. Iommi is a jerk always was and always shall be. Reply
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+3
Observer
May 30, 09 1:32 PM CDT
Go Ozzy! You really need the money. Reply
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Reader64481089
May 30, 09 2:35 PM CDT
Well Ozzy doesn't "need" it but as the suit states he wants all the money shared equally for the four original members of Sabbath and that's cool because the other two original members and especially Bill really could use the cash. Although not destitute he is far from a rich Rock and Roller as some might think. Reply
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+3
drlarrymitchell
May 30, 09 5:29 PM CDT
It was a four-man band. Ozzy lost that when he was fired- IN 1979!!! Reply
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More on the suit
Reuters


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entertainment • music • merchandise • lawsuit • heavy metal • Ozzy Osbourne • Black Sabbath • name • brand • Tony Iommi

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