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OZZY OSBOURNE MOVES $50 MILLION IN MERCHANDISE:

July 27, 2004

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – Ozzy Osbourne has hit $50 million in merchandise sales — a record for a heavy metal performer, according to merchandising and licensing company Signatures Network.

During the past decade, the British rocker amassed $35 million from selling merchandise at concerts like his Ozzfest roadshow and $15 million at retail. Among the best-selling products are black Osbourne T-shirts, slippers and action figures.

“I think the ‘Ozzy for President’ and the ‘Passion of Ozzy’ shirts we just released will be some of the best-selling and most popular among his fans,” his wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, said. “Of course, I love Ozzy so much I sleep with one of his shirts on every night.”

Despite a downturn in summer concert ticket sales this year, Ozzfest 2004 — featuring the Osbourne-fronted Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Slayer and Slipknot — remains healthy.

Signatures Network said new Osbourne merchandise is on the way, including branded fashion jeans, jackets, boots and accessories as well an Osbourne slot machine.

Osbourne and Black Sabbath vintage fashion apparel is now sold at Barney’s, Bloomingdale’s, specialty stores including Hot Topic, Spencer Gifts and Urban Outfitters as well as on http://www.Ozzy.com.

Signatures Network holds the worldwide merchandising and marketing rights to more than 125 top music artists and entertainment properties, including Madonna, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Kiss, the Beatles and Tim McGraw.

Tamara Conniff courtesy of Reuters