Ozzy Osbourne is suing AEG, claiming the entertainment group is essentially blackmailing him to perform at the Staples Center. He filed an anti-trust lawsuit against AEG for its block booking policy requiring artists who want to play the O2 Arena in London to also play Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Ozzy feels this is a violation of the antitrust laws, which prohibit businesses from gaining a stranglehold on customers. According to his agreement with AEG, if Ozzy performs anywhere within a 25-mile radius of L.A. he must perform at Staples. The lawsuit includes an email from Sharon Osbourne to AEG, saying, "Shame on AEG for bringing artists into a power struggle that you're having with your competition, Live Nation."

Earlier Wednesday (March 21st), Osbourne filed suit in federal court, accusing AEG of violating anti-trust laws in the ongoing venue wars between AEG and Madison Square Garden, owners of the Forum in Los Angeles. Osbourne's attorney Daniel Wall with Latham Watkins accuses AEG of being a "monopolist" and trying to force Osbourne to play their venue in LA in exchange for a London date at the arena.

AEG has responded, telling Billboard: "This suit is without merit and we will vigorously fight it. We welcome a closer look at the global live entertainment market and, specifically, our practices and the practices of our competition. AEG has always worked hard to put artists first. At the same time, we must respond to the actions of those we compete with, specifically Live Nation and Madison Square Garden. Fighting for a level playing field is fair competition at its core."

Osbourne reportedly opposed the block-booking arrangement when routing his No More Tours 2, but ultimately relented and signed a Staples Center commitment letter in order to secure a 2019 date at O2 Arena. He followed the signing with a surprise federal class-action lawsuit, arguing the agreement "restrict(s) his freedom" and "the freedom of many other artists" to play "at a venue of their choice." He is seeking class-action status for other artists affected by the policy as well as an injunction to stop the policy.

Source:	billboard.com
Band profile:	Ozzy Osbourne