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Ozzy Sues Bandmate Over Sabbath Name

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted May 30, 2009 12:18 PM CDT
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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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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
drlarrymitchell
May 30, 2009 10:29 AM CDT
It was a four-man band. Ozzy lost that when he was fired- IN 1979!!!
Observer
May 30, 2009 6:32 AM CDT
Go Ozzy! You really need the money.

More on the suit
Reuters

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

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