Sharon Osbourne Speaks Out About Mystery Artist Dropped from Black Sabbath Farewell Event
This weekend marks the end of an era as Black Sabbath prepares for their final live performance at the much-anticipated Back To The Beginning event in Birmingham, England. The celebration, dedicated to honoring Ozzy Osbourne and the band’s legendary career, has been years in the making. But in true rock ‘n’ roll fashion, the lead-up hasn’t been without a dose of drama.
Speaking exclusively to Billboard ahead of the farewell show, Sharon Osbourne opened up once more about the mystery artist who was removed from the event lineup. “They were let go because they wanted to make a profit,” she said firmly. “And it’s not the time to make a profit. After the show I’ll let everybody know who it was. I think people will be shocked.”
While Sharon didn’t reveal the artist’s name just yet, her words suggest a deep disappointment in what was supposed to be a unified tribute to one of heavy metal’s most iconic acts.
“There’s a time and place for everything,” she continued. “This weekend is about love, legacy, and honoring the fans and the music. Not lining your pockets.”
This isn’t the first time Sharon has spoken out about the situation. In a previous interview with Metal Hammer, she offered more insight into the behind-the-scenes fallout, sharing how emotionally difficult the confrontation was.
“I had a huge, huge to-do with a manager over this celebration for Ozzy and Sabbath,” she revealed. “And it was probably the worst way I’ve felt in years. And I don’t care what this person says about me, thinks about it, because he doesn’t know me. And he’s now going around making up bullshit lies because I threw his band off the bill.”
Sharon’s fierce protection of Ozzy’s legacy is nothing new. Over the decades, she’s built a reputation as one of the toughest and most loyal figures in the music industry — never one to shy away from speaking her truth. And with Back To The Beginning serving as the final chapter for Black Sabbath’s storied career, emotions are understandably running high.
This final performance, taking place at Birmingham’s Villa Park Stadium, has drawn massive attention from fans around the globe. With appearances from surviving Sabbath members Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler, and a special guest list kept under wraps, anticipation is at fever pitch.
When asked if the drama had overshadowed the event, Sharon remained clear-eyed. “Not at all. The energy from the fans, the support we’ve received — it’s all been incredible. Nothing is going to take away from what this night means.”
Still, fans are abuzz with speculation about who the removed artist might be. Social media has lit up with theories, ranging from modern rock acts to longtime Sabbath collaborators. Some fans believe clues lie in recent schedule changes and festival appearances. Others are combing through interviews and past connections for hints.
But Sharon insists the truth will come out soon enough. “After the show,” she said with a sly smile, “I’ll let everybody know who it was. I think people will be shocked.”
For now, the focus remains on the music and the monumental legacy of a band that changed the face of heavy metal. From their gritty beginnings in the industrial heart of England to global superstardom, Black Sabbath’s journey has been nothing short of legendary.
As fans prepare for one final, emotional goodbye this weekend, Sharon Osbourne’s words serve as a reminder that rock ‘n’ roll may be loud, messy, and unpredictable — but above all, it’s about integrity, passion, and loyalty to the music.
Stay tuned after the show for updates — and possibly, the reveal of the artist who was almost part of history.
