Additional Coverage:
- Kelly Osbourne blasts Dee Snider as ‘spectacularly classless’ for claiming Ozzy didn’t write his own songs (foxnews.com)
Kelly Osbourne Defends Ozzy Osbourne’s Legacy in Response to Dee Snider’s Songwriting Claims
A public dispute has emerged between Kelly Osbourne and Dee Snider, frontman of Twisted Sister, following Snider’s recent assertions about Ozzy Osbourne’s songwriting history. Snider sparked controversy by claiming that Ozzy “always had bass players write his lyrics,” naming bassist Bob Daisley and Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister as frequent contributors. He also stated that Geezer Butler “wrote ALL of Black Sabbath’s lyrics.”
Bob Daisley’s website credits him with writing much of the material on Ozzy’s first five solo albums, including “Blizzard of Ozz” and “No Rest for the Wicked.” Geezer Butler has long been recognized as the principal lyricist for Black Sabbath during Ozzy’s tenure with the band.
Kelly Osbourne responded firmly to Snider’s remarks via Instagram Stories on Friday. She emphasized her father’s enduring influence, writing, “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.”
Kelly described Snider’s criticism as “spectacularly classless” and questioned his authority to comment on her father’s career. She contrasted their respective legacies, noting that Snider’s mainstream success was relatively brief and dated back more than 40 years, whereas Ozzy’s career spanned nearly six decades and helped define heavy metal, both with Black Sabbath and as a solo artist. Kelly asserted that Ozzy’s music will continue to influence generations long after they are gone.
She suggested that Snider’s remarks were an attempt to remain relevant, but maintained that Ozzy’s “name, catalogue and influence” remain globally significant. “My father doesn’t need Dee Snider’s approval to establish his place in music history,” she wrote, concluding that trying to diminish Ozzy only highlights the vast difference in their cultural impact.
In a follow-up post early Friday, Snider clarified his position, stating he has “nothing but love for Ozzy” and recalling their positive relationship. He explained, “As a songwriter, I can be a little touchy about credit and royalties,” indicating his comments were rooted in respect for proper acknowledgment.
Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22, 2025, at age 76, shortly after his final performance with Black Sabbath. His death certificate cited cardiac arrest and coronary artery disease as causes, with Parkinson’s disease noted as a contributing factor.
Representatives for Kelly Osbourne did not provide further comment, and Snider’s team indicated he had no additional statements on the matter. The exchange underscores the lasting sensitivity surrounding Ozzy Osbourne’s musical legacy and the complexities of songwriting credit in rock history.