Sharon Osbourne Names the Band That ‘Wanted To Profit’ Off Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Black Sabbath Show
In a revelation that’s sent shockwaves through the rock world, Sharon Osbourne has finally named the band she accused of trying to “profit” from Ozzy Osbourne’s final performance with Black Sabbath. Speaking to Billboard in an exclusive interview, Sharon confirmed that the long-speculated group was none other than Rival Sons, a band that had previously opened for Black Sabbath during their farewell tour, The End.
Fans may recall Sharon’s cryptic comments months ago, when she first accused an unnamed band of attempting to cash in on the highly emotional Back to the Beginning concert held in Birmingham — the city where Black Sabbath was born and where Ozzy Osbourne made his final appearance with the legendary group.
In her initial remarks, Sharon said, “It’s not the time to make a profit. This concert was about closing the chapter on a legacy — about respect, memories, and family. But there were some who saw dollar signs instead.”
At the time, Sharon chose to withhold names, saying, “After the show, I’ll let everybody know who it was. I think people will be shocked.”
Now, just days after the historic concert, Sharon is ready to speak. “I waited,” she told Billboard, “because I didn’t want to bring negativity before or during the event. But now it’s over, and I owe it to the fans — and to Ozzy — to be honest.”
She continued, “It was Rival Sons. They wanted to push their merchandise and special vinyl editions in connection with the show. They saw this as a marketing opportunity, not as a celebration of what Black Sabbath and Ozzy stood for. That’s not acceptable.”
According to Sharon, the band’s management had reportedly requested to set up extensive merch booths at the Birmingham event, complete with limited-edition reissues and promotional banners. “They were treating it like a festival slot — not like a farewell,” Sharon said. “That wasn’t the spirit of the night. It was about honoring decades of music, not selling T-shirts and vinyl for a quick buck.”
Her comments immediately set off a wave of reactions across social media, with some fans supporting Sharon’s stance while others called her out for naming names after the fact.
Rival Sons Respond
Shortly after Sharon’s comments were published, Rival Sons issued a statement via their official Instagram, defending themselves from the backlash.
“We have nothing but respect for Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath,” the statement read. “Any discussions regarding merchandise were handled by our management and the tour organizers, not us personally. We were honored to be a part of the farewell tour and never intended to overshadow the moment.”
Despite their response, the backlash has been swift, with many Sabbath loyalists accusing Rival Sons of opportunism.
“This was Ozzy’s night, plain and simple,” wrote one fan on Twitter. “If you’re thinking about profit at a moment like that, you’ve missed the entire point of rock ‘n’ roll.”
Sharon Stands Firm
Sharon Osbourne, known for her unapologetic candor, is standing firm. In her Billboard interview, she doubled down on her decision to call out the band publicly.
“I don’t care who it upsets,” she said. “Ozzy’s been through hell and back for his fans — he’s given everything to music. The least people could do is show a little class on his final night with Black Sabbath. If speaking up makes me unpopular, so be it.”
She went on to clarify that her criticism wasn’t just about one band’s merch booth. “It’s about the attitude,” Sharon said. “Some people see music as a family, a legacy, something sacred. Others see it as a sales pitch. We’re not in this for the profit anymore — we’re here for the history and the fans.”
Industry Reactions
The controversy has quickly made waves throughout the music industry. Several prominent figures, including fellow rockers and promoters, weighed in on Sharon’s remarks.
Gene Simmons of KISS, known for his business-savvy approach to rock, took to X (formerly Twitter) to weigh in: “Everyone wants a piece of the pie, but some moments should remain sacred. Respect to Sharon for saying what others won’t.”
Meanwhile, producer Rick Rubin tweeted, “The line between commerce and art is always blurry, but there are nights where commerce should step aside. Ozzy’s farewell was one of them.”
Even among fans, the debate is fierce. Some say Sharon was right to name Rival Sons, while others accuse her of turning an emotional moment into a public feud.
Ozzy Stays Silent — For Now
As of now, Ozzy Osbourne himself has not commented on the controversy. Known for his good-natured humor and laid-back attitude in recent years, many fans are curious whether The Prince of Darkness will address the issue publicly or let it fade away.
In the meantime, Sharon has no regrets about calling out what she sees as disrespect.
“Ozzy’s legacy isn’t for sale,” she concluded. “Not now, not ever.”
The fallout from this revelation is likely far from over, as fans and industry insiders continue to debate the fine line between honoring rock legends and capitalizing on their final bows. Regardless of which side people take, one thing is certain — the Back to the Beginning concert will be remembered not only for its emotional farewell but also for this dramatic post-show controversy.
