Sharon Osbourne Sues Jake E. Lee Over Birmingham Concert Payout Dispute
In a development shaking both rock and legal circles, Sharon Osbourne has filed a lawsuit against guitarist Jake E. Lee, claiming he withheld money from the Birmingham leg of the much-hyped Back to the Beginning concert series. The show, which took place earlier this month, was one of the highest-grossing events of the summer, drawing a packed house of rock and metal fans eager to see legends unite on stage. But behind the scenes, things apparently went sideways when it came time to settle the financials.
According to court documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday, Sharon Osbourne alleges that Jake E. Lee—best known for his time with Ozzy Osbourne’s solo band in the 1980s—failed to deliver the agreed-upon concert earnings. The legal filing accuses Lee of “misappropriation of funds, breach of contract, and intentional interference with business dealings,” seeking both compensatory and punitive damages totaling $8.5 million.
The Alleged Cash-Out Controversy
Sharon’s complaint centers around the financial logistics of the Birmingham concert, which was one of the major stops of the Back to the Beginning tour. The show was promoted as a historic reunion event, featuring former Ozzy Osbourne bandmates, including Jake E. Lee, Zakk Wylde, and special appearances from members of Black Sabbath. Fans traveled from around the globe to witness the spectacle.
Sharon claims that she and Lee had a verbal and written agreement stipulating that all major revenue streams—ticket sales, merchandise, VIP meet-and-greet packages, and streaming rights—would be transparently accounted for and distributed among the participating artists, production crew, and Osbourne’s management company. According to Sharon, Jake E. Lee was temporarily tasked with overseeing the cash handling for the Birmingham show due to an alleged last-minute change in personnel.
“Jake was trusted as part of the family,” Sharon stated in a press release following the filing. “This wasn’t just about music; it was about trust, legacy, and integrity. Unfortunately, he chose to pocket funds that belonged to multiple parties, including charities we intended to support. I won’t stand for that.”
Jake E. Lee Responds: “This Is Bullsh*t”
Jake E. Lee didn’t take long to respond, releasing a statement through his attorney calling the accusations “complete bullsh*t” and a “sad attempt to scapegoat someone for backstage chaos that had nothing to do with me.” Lee insists he was never formally placed in charge of handling any financial aspects of the Birmingham event.
“I came to play guitar, not to run a cash register,” Lee said during a live interview on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation. “Sharon Osbourne has always been about control. She controlled Ozzy’s career, she controlled the band, and now she’s trying to control a narrative that isn’t true. I don’t owe her or anyone a dime.”
Lee’s legal team argues that the Birmingham show’s earnings were handled by third-party promoters and local organizers, not Lee personally. They’ve hinted at counter-suing for defamation if Sharon doesn’t retract her statements.
Industry Shockwaves and Fan Reactions
The lawsuit has sparked massive debate within the rock and metal community. Fans are divided, with some siding with Sharon, citing her history of fiercely protecting Ozzy’s brand and her reputation as a meticulous businesswoman. Others are defending Jake E. Lee, pointing out his long-standing grievances about how he was treated during his time with Ozzy’s band in the 1980s.
“This is sad to see,” wrote one fan on a Black Sabbath fan forum. “These guys made magic together. Now it’s all about lawyers.”
Another commenter on Reddit’s r/ClassicRock community added, “If Sharon really did intend for some of the profits to go to charity, then yeah, this needs to be sorted. But if it’s just rockstar politics, it’s just another episode of the soap opera.”
A History of Tension
This isn’t the first time Sharon Osbourne and Jake E. Lee have clashed. Lee has been outspoken in past interviews about feeling underappreciated for his contributions to Ozzy’s albums Bark at the Moon and The Ultimate Sin. He has claimed he was denied songwriting credits and residuals that he deserved, while Sharon has publicly dismissed his complaints as “revisionist history.”
Given that backdrop, some insiders aren’t surprised by the current fallout.
“This is a powder keg that’s been waiting to blow for years,” said an anonymous source close to the production. “The Birmingham show just happened to be the spark.”
What Happens Next?
As of now, the lawsuit is pending review. Both parties are expected to meet in court for an initial hearing in early August. Sharon’s legal team says they have accounting records and witness statements to back up their claims, while Lee’s attorneys have demanded a full audit of the concert’s earnings to clarify who exactly was responsible for the cash management.
Regardless of the outcome, this situation underscores the age-old problem in the music industry: when art meets business, conflicts often follow. For fans who grew up listening to Ozzy’s iconic collaborations with Jake E. Lee, it’s an unfortunate but perhaps inevitable chapter in rock’s ongoing saga of fame, fortune, and fallout.
