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Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Sued Over Alleged Use of Riff in “Patient Number 9”
Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler Accused of Copyright Infringement
Ozzy Osbourne, former lead singer of heavy metal band Black Sabbath, has been sued by a songwriter who claims the band stole a riff from his 1975 song for their new single “Patient Number 9”. Albert Hammond, songwriter of the 1975 hit “Mississippi Queen” by Leslie West, alleges that the main riff of “Patient Number 9” is “virtually identical,” to his own work.
MGM Music and Rob Zombie Also Named in Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles federal court on Monday, also names Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler, Osbourne's former Black Sabbath bandmates, as defendants. MGM Music, which owns the rights to “Mississippi Queen,” and Rob Zombie, who co-wrote “Patient Number 9” with Osbourne, are also named in the suit.
Hammond's Song a Top 40 Hit
Hammond's “Mississippi Queen” was a top 40 hit in the United States and has been covered by numerous artists, including Bob Seger and Gov't Mule. The song is known for its distinctive opening riff, which Hammond claims is the same as the riff in “Patient Number 9.” In a statement, Hammond's attorney said, “We believe the evidence will show that the defendants copied the core portion of 'Mississippi Queen' and used it as the basis for 'Patient Number 9.'”
Osbourne's Camp Denies Allegations
Osbourne's representatives have denied the allegations, saying that the riff in “Patient Number 9” is original. The band has not yet filed a formal response to the lawsuit. A hearing on the case is scheduled for September 13th.
Copyright Lawsuit Could Have Major Impact
The lawsuit could have a major impact on the music industry. If Hammond is successful in his claim, it could set a precedent for other songwriters to sue over alleged copyright infringement. The case could also have a chilling effect on creativity, as artists may be less willing to experiment with new ideas for fear of being sued.
Experts Weigh In
Legal experts say that the outcome of the case will depend on whether Hammond can prove that the riff in “Patient Number 9” is substantially similar to the riff in “Mississippi Queen.” They also say that the jury will likely consider the fact that “Patient Number 9” was written by three experienced musicians who are aware of copyright law.
Case to be Closely Watched
The case is being closely watched by the music industry and legal experts alike. The outcome could have a significant impact on the way that music is created and distributed in the future.