Ozzy sues Iommi over Black Sabbath name
Ozzy Osbourne has launched legal action against Tony Iommi, demanding a share of the rights to the Black Sabbath trademark.
Iommi owns the name outright and is entitled to do anything he likes with it. But Osbourne says he's been arguing the point for three years, and believes all four founding members of the band - himself, Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward - should co-own the brand.
He says he's been forced to go to court after failing to persuade Iommi to "do the right thing" by any other means - and he's only taking action "with regret".
In a statement Osbourne explains: "In the mid-1990s, after constant changes in band members, the brand of Black Sabbath was in the toilet, and Tony, 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. We headlined sold-out arenas, playing to upwards of 50,000 people at each show. We worked collectively to restore credibility and bring dignity back to the name.
"Throughout the last 12 years it was my management who oversaw the marketing and quality control of the brand through Ozzfest, touring, merchandising and album reissues. The name Black Sabbath now has a value it would not have had by continuing on the road it was on prior to the 1997 reunion tour."
Then, in a personal open message to Iommi, Osbourne adds: "Tony, I am so sorry it's had to get to this point. I don't have the right to speak for Geezer and Bill but I feel the trademark should be owned by the four of us equally. I hope it will end up that way. Please do the right thing."
Osbourne's lawsuit calls for half the rights to be transferred to him, rather than a quarter; but it may be that the intention is not to complete legal action, but to reach an out-of-court settlement involving all four musicians.
Osbourne, managed by his wife Sharon, makes a further personal plea: "Tony, let's get this issue sorted out and move on with our lives. You're 61, I'm 60. I hope we've got a good 20 years left in us. But God forbid something happens to you - what's going to happen to the trademark? Don't you think after we're gone the rights should stay in your family, my family, Bill's family and Geezer's family?
"We've all been mates since school. I've always said there's an invisible thread that holds us together. This is something I've tried to avoid for years. Till the day I die I will not change my mind on this issue."
Iommi is currently suing Live Nation for breach of trademark, saying the company sold Black Sabbath merchandise after a licensing deal had ended. Iommi and Butler are currently touring as Heaven and Hell with Ronnie James Dio and Vinny Appice. Iommi has said in the past that use of the Black Sabbath name is reserved for live work with Osbourne and Ward back in the fold.
In a recent interview Bill Ward exclusively revealed to Rock Radio why he'd left Heaven and Hell.