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Sharon Osbourne Cancelled Invite to Farewell Concert to Which “Greedy” Band?, Fans Argue
July 9, 2025 – Birmingham, UK – In spite of Black Sabbath’s highly publicized “Back to the Beginning” farewell concert at Villa Park this weekend, one question remains fans’ hot topic: which band Sharon Osbourne supposedly disinvited for making a profit out of the emotionally charged evening?
During an interview with Billboard prior to the concert, Sharon testified that she had dropped an unnamed big band after their manager insisted on being paid, telling it “it wasn’t the time to make money.” She promised to name the band afterward — adding, in a tease, “I believe people will be surprised” .
Fan Speculation Sparks on Social Media
Ozzy Osbourne’s loyal fan base descended upon Reddit, X, and Facebook immediately, speculating on which band was placing the pay-for-performance demands.
Everybody pointed fingers at Mötley Crüe, recalling their earlier history of reuniting following goodbye tours for lucrative paychecks. One Redditor commented:
“My guess is Motley Crue,”
while another commented, “I think it’s Motley Crue because they made so much money on their Farewell tour and said they were done… then all of a sudden they want to come back for another cash grab”  .
KISS was another frequent contender, often branded as “the most greedy band on the planet.” One fan declared:
“I’m thinking KISS. The most greedy band on the planet” .
Other bands spun around in the rumormill included were Megadeth, Foo Fighters, Limp Bizkit, Iron Maiden, and Tool, with some of them being ruled out. Of special note, People magazine and Metal Hammer both said that Iron Maiden were not involved in the dispute.
The Concert — A Roster of Legends
Despite the soap opera, the farewell show was a record-breaker. Promoted in Ozzy’s hometown and hosted by Jason Momoa, the 10-hour concert boasted an enviable who’s who of rock and metal royalty — including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool (who despite internet misunderstanding remained on the bill), and Jack Black, to name but a few .
The headliner featured the founding members of Black Sabbath — Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward — playing heavy renditions of “War Pigs” and “Paranoid.” Ozzy, seated due to health issues but unbroken, delivered an impassioned performance that was both his own farewell and a nod towards his legendary heritage .
Sharon’s Stand
Sharon Osbourne defended her decision, emphasizing the emotional importance of the event and charitable intent. She again made it clear that artists would receive only travel allowances — not performance fees. In response to the controversial manager situation, she apologized but didn’t back down:
“It was probably the worst way I’ve felt in years… I don’t care what people say… It’s not the time to make a profit” .
What Might Come Next?
While Sharon’s threatened reveal has everyone on the edge, the limelight remains shared. Will she name the band outright — and what reaction will follow? That heightened tension is compounded by the presence of such heavyweights as Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, who performed in aid of charity, as Sharon described a philanthropic, celebratory atmosphere.
There is speculation that Sharon will finally disclose the identity of the band in due course, bringing closure and hopefully vindicating her no-holds-barred strategy.
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This theatre drama highlights the tension between commercial pragmatism and genuine commemoration within the music world — a drama worthy of the last curtain call of the birthfather of heavy metal.