May 12, 2003 • 1 min read

Sharon on the Sony / Osbourne split

Sharon Osbourne's publicist confirms the Osbournes and Sony Music are parting ways after 23 years, with Kelly Osbourne also leaving the label after Tommy Mottola resigned in January.

Sharon Osbourne's publicist Lisa Vega Sharon has made an official statement about the reports last week that both Ozzy and Kelly Osbourne were planning to part company with Sony label Epic - home to Ozzy's music for over 23 years.

The statement reads: "The Osbournes and Sony Music are in the process of parting ways after 23 years. Sharon Osbourne and Sony mutually agreed that Kelly Osbourne would depart the label after former CEO Tommy Mottola resigned this past January."

In the statement Sharon herself was quoted as saying: "We've had 23 great years together. We've shared many great successes, but sometimes you have to search out fresh blood to get fresh ideas which is a philosophy that every record company, especially Sony, understands."

Sony won't be too bothered about losing Kelly whose album, despite the blanket MTV coverage, didn't do too well commercially. Some insiders reckon it was Sony's refusal to invest in Kelly long term that has led to a kneejerk reaction over Ozzy's long standing recording contract. Certainly the loss of Ozzy will be a much bigger concern for Sony management. Sharon's statement makes no mention of son Jack who has been employed by Sony as a talent scout in recent times.

Great! You’ve successfully signed up.
Welcome back! You've successfully signed in.
You've successfully subscribed to CMU | the music business explained.
Your link has expired.
Success! Check your email for magic link to sign-in.
Success! Your billing info has been updated.
Your billing was not updated.
Privacy Policy