Kelly Osbourne leaps to dad Ozzy’s defence as Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider claims he didn’t write his own songs

Kelly Osbourne has publicly defended her late father, Ozzy Osbourne, following controversial remarks made by Dee Snider, lead vocalist of Twisted Sister, who suggested that Ozzy did not write his own songs. The incident sparked a heated exchange on social media, with Osbourne accusing Snider of diminishing her father’s legacy and attempting to undermine his contributions to music. The dispute began when Snider responded to questions about songwriting credits and royalties. During the discussion, he made claims that contradicted widely accepted knowledge about Ozzy Osbourne’s creative process. Snider stated that Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler wrote all of the band’s lyrics, that Bob Daisley penned lyrics for Ozzy’s first two solo albums, and that Lemmy Kilmister contributed lyrics to Ozzy’s 1991 album No More Tears. These assertions were met with immediate backlash from Osbourne, who took to X to refute the claims. In a strongly worded response, Kelly Osbourne criticized Snider’s comments as “spectacularly classless” and argued that they insulted her father’s legacy. She emphasized that Ozzy’s contributions to music, both as a performer and a songwriter, have been recognized by fans, collaborators, and peers worldwide. Osbourne pointed out that her father’s career spanned nearly six decades and played a pivotal role in shaping the heavy metal genre. She also highlighted the contrast between Snider’s brief period of mainstream success, marked by hits such as We’re Not Gonna Take It from 1984, and Ozzy’s enduring influence in the music industry. Osbourne noted that Snider’s attempt to downplay Ozzy’s achievements was futile, stating that her father’s place in music history does not require validation from anyone else. “Trying to make my father smaller won’t make Dee Snider bigger,” Osbourne wrote, adding that Snider’s remarks only served to highlight the vast differences in their respective legacies. She concluded by thanking Snider for revealing what she described as his desperation, suggesting that his public comments reflected a deeper insecurity about his relevance in today’s music scene. Following the controversy, Snider issued an apology on X, clarifying that his comments were not intended to disrespect Ozzy Osbourne. He expressed admiration for Ozzy, acknowledging that Black Sabbath had a profound impact on his own musical journey. Snider also mentioned that as a songwriter, he is particularly sensitive to issues of credit and royalties, explaining that his remarks were rooted in personal experiences rather than an attempt to belittle Ozzy’s work. The incident has reignited discussions about the importance of songwriting credits in the music industry and the ongoing recognition of artists’ contributions to their craft. While Snider’s apology appears to have softened the initial blow, the exchange underscores the deep respect and emotional investment that many hold for Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy. Fans and fellow musicians alike continue to celebrate his influence, ensuring that his contributions to rock and heavy metal remain firmly intact.