Writer and musician Joel Gausten, author of the 2007 book The Sabbath Interviews, has issued the following statement regarding Ozzy Osbourne's newly launched trademark lawsuit against former BLACK SABBATH bandmateTony Iommi (click here for the statement).

"So, the internet is exploding with talk of Ozzy's suit against Iommi. As a massive Black Sabbath fan who's had the honor of interviewing several past and present members over the years, I can't resist commenting on this.

For what it's worth:

Ozzy seeking 50% ownership of a band name he had nothing to do with for 16 years is asinine. As someone who loves the post-Ozzy stuff (like The Eternal Idol) as much, if not often more, than the first eight albums, I'd have to say that the TRUE spirit of Black Sabbath will always be with Iommi.

Also, let's not forget the stellar talent who performed in Sabbath in the post-Ozzy years - especially the great Bob Daisley, Eric Singer, Tony Martin and the late Cozy Powell. They were kicking ass and keeping the band going while Ozzy, Geezer and Bill were doing their own thing. These folks were and remain as vital to Sabbath's history than the original four.

And speaking of Bill... here's a guy who GIVES the money earned by the sale of his CDs to charity. Here's a guy who - despite the fact that he was partly responsible for creating Metal as we know it - never once forgot that, deep down, he's just a working class guy from Aston.

If you're a Sabbath fan who FELT every single word of 'Killing Yourself To Live', knew what 'What is this that stands before me?' REALLY meant and understood the human spirit behind 'War Pigs', then skip the nonsense spewing on the Internet and go straight to www.billward.com and get a copy of Bill's CD, Straws."

Some of the money from that CD goes to maintain the cleanliness of the Vietnam Memorial, among other good things.

Maybe Bill's friend should learn by example."

Go to this location for information on Gausten and his work.