Finally: Sharon Osbourne Names the Band That ‘Wanted To Profit’ Off Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Black Sabbath Show
By Music Correspondent | July 9, 2025
In a moment that sent shockwaves through the rock and metal world, Sharon Osbourne has finally revealed the name of the band she claims “tried to profit” off Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell performance with Black Sabbath. After years of cryptic comments and hushed interviews, the longtime manager and wife of the Prince of Darkness didn’t mince words in a recent candid appearance on The Osbournes Podcast.
“The truth is, Judas Priest wanted in — and not in a respectful way,” Sharon declared, eyes blazing. “They saw Ozzy’s farewell as a ticket to their own revival, not as a moment to honor Black Sabbath. It became very clear they weren’t interested in celebrating history — they were interested in selling it.”
The bombshell revelation comes eight years after Black Sabbath’s final show, held at the Genting Arena in their hometown of Birmingham in February 2017. Titled The End, it marked the conclusion of a legendary run for the band that launched heavy metal into the stratosphere. For years, rumors swirled about tensions behind the scenes, especially regarding which bands would support Sabbath on that final leg.
At the time, Judas Priest were one of several acts rumored to be lobbying for a spot on the bill. The two bands had long shared a legacy as British metal pioneers, and fans saw a double bill as a dream farewell. But behind the scenes, Sharon alleges, it was far from a dream.
“They didn’t want to be part of something magical — they wanted to sell more shirts, push a re-release, grab headlines. We said no,” Sharon said. “Ozzy’s final bow with Sabbath had to be pure, no gimmicks, no hangers-on.”
A War of Legacy
While Sharon’s comments may seem incendiary, they underline a larger issue that has plagued farewell tours across the music industry: the tension between legacy and commerce.
Judas Priest, who have been active since the 1970s and still tour today with a loyal fanbase, have yet to respond publicly to the remarks. However, insiders suggest the comments have not gone unnoticed in the Priest camp. A close source to the band told Metal Hammer under anonymity, “They’ve always respected Sabbath. But it’s no secret they were frustrated not to be part of that final show.”
Sharon’s criticism didn’t stop there. She continued by highlighting the commercial vultures that circled the band as they prepared to close the chapter on a near-50-year run.
“You wouldn’t believe the people who came crawling out, trying to slap their logo next to Black Sabbath’s. It was appalling. Ozzy wasn’t dying. He wasn’t being buried. He was saying goodbye — with dignity. And that meant keeping it about the four of them.”
Notably, Black Sabbath’s final show featured the classic lineup of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, and Geezer Butler — though original drummer Bill Ward remained absent due to contractual disputes. Even in the absence of a full reunion, the moment was deeply emotional, punctuated by a thunderous encore of “Paranoid” and a standing ovation that lasted well over ten minutes.
Ozzy’s Farewell: Business vs Brotherhood
In recent years, Ozzy Osbourne has battled ongoing health issues, including Parkinson’s disease, surgeries on his spine, and a serious fall in 2019. His solo career has continued in spurts, with the critically acclaimed albums Ordinary Man (2020) and Patient Number 9 (2022), but live performances have grown rare.
“It’s heartbreaking to see what people will do when they think you’re at the end,” Sharon said. “Ozzy’s been used, underestimated, overworked — but this was his moment. And I made damn sure it wasn’t hijacked.”
This latest revelation also opens a wider conversation about how final shows — especially those of historic importance — are managed, curated, and controlled. In Black Sabbath’s case, Sharon has long served as the protective gatekeeper of Ozzy’s legacy. Critics have both praised and criticized her influence over the years, but even her detractors often concede she’s fiercely loyal to preserving the band’s mythology.
For her part, Sharon says she has no regrets. “I’ll protect his legacy until the day I die,” she stated. “And if that means naming names — so be it. Judas Priest had their chance. But Ozzy’s goodbye wasn’t for sale.”
Fans React — And Debate
The online metal community lit up in the hours following Sharon’s comments. On Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), fans were divided. Some praised her for standing her ground, while others saw it as an unnecessary dig at a fellow metal institution.
“Disappointed to hear this,” one fan posted. “Judas Priest and Black Sabbath are both legends. This feels like airing dirty laundry.”
Another wrote: “Respect to Sharon. She’s not afraid to speak the truth. Ozzy deserved a pure farewell.”
As for Ozzy himself, he’s remained characteristically silent on the issue — letting his wife handle the storm. The Prince of Darkness may no longer be prowling the world stage with Black Sabbath, but it seems the battle for his legacy is far from over.
One thing is certain: the final chapter of Black Sabbath wasn’t just about music — it was a clash of loyalty, legacy, and the price of goodbye.
