Kelly Osbourne has launched a blistering attack on Twisted Sister star Dee Snider after he claimed her late father, Birmingham-born Black Sabbath icon Ozzy Osbourne, did not write his own songs. The 41-year-old labelled Snider 'irrelevant' and a 'bitter old man', telling him to 'keep my father's name out of your f****** mouth'.
The controversy began when Snider, in a post on X, alleged that Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler wrote all of the band's lyrics. He also claimed that Ozzy's first two solo albums featured lyrics written by Bob Daisley, and that the No More Tears album had contributions from Lemmy Kilmister. Snider further suggested that Sharon Osbourne 'doesn't like to share' when discussing the legacy of Ozzy's music, while acknowledging that many artists don't write their own material but can still make songs their own.
Kelly's Fiery Response
Kelly, the daughter of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, responded with a scathing statement on social media. She said: "My father's legacy as a musician, songwriter, singer and bandleader speaks for itself. His friends, those who worked with him, those who love him, and millions of fans around the world that still continue to buy his records know exactly what he meant, what he contributed and what he leaves behind. His legacy will live on eternally."
She added: "There's something spectacularly classless about Dee Snider trying to diminish my father Ozzy Osbourne and his extraordinary abilities and achievements when he is no longer here to challenge his allegations." Kelly contrasted Snider's "brief period of mainstream success more than 40 years ago" with her father's career, which "spanned nearly six decades and helped define heavy metal".
Snider's Apology and Further Backlash
In the wake of the backlash, Snider took to X to apologise. He posted: "To be clear, I HAVE NOTHING BUT LOVE FOR OZZY. He was always lovely to me. Black Sabbath changed my life! As a songwriter I can be a little touchy about credit and royalties." However, Kelly was not satisfied with the apology, calling it a "backhanded compliment dressed up as 'nothing but love'".
She wrote on Instagram: "There's something spectacularly ironic about someone complaining about credit while still borrowing his name for relevance." Kelly continued: "So in the important spirit of Will Smith, keep my father's name out of your f****** mouth. You are nothing but yesterday's headline begging for tomorrow's attention."
Impact and Legacy
The spat highlights the ongoing sensitivity around songwriting credits in rock music, particularly concerning the legacy of Ozzy Osbourne, who died last year. Fans in Birmingham and worldwide have continued to celebrate his life, with events like the first Ozzy Day drawing crowds from around the globe. Kelly's defence underscores the family's commitment to preserving Ozzy's musical legacy, which remains influential despite the allegations.
