Ozzy throws tizzy over Fargo sting

Police's fake VIP party nets numerous arrests

By Ryan Woodard, Journal staff | Saturday, November 03, 2007

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RAPID CITY -- A North Dakota sheriff disguised a warrant sting as a pre-Ozzy Osbourne concert party in Fargo, N.D., on Monday, Oct. 29 -- a tactic that has upset the longtime heavy metal artist.

Osbourne, who will appear Tuesday at Rushmore Plaza Civic Center with Rob Zombie, was upset about the sting set up by Cass County Sheriff Paul D. Laney in Fargo before Osbourne's concert at the Fargodome.

Laney sent out invitations to a "pre-concert party" that included tickets to the show to 40 citizens who had outstanding arrest warrants, according to a news release from Osbourne's public-relations firm, Mitch Schneider Organization. Upon their arrival at the "party" the unsuspecting citizens were arrested.

"Sheriff Laney should be apologizing to me for using my name in connection with these arrests," Osbourne said in a statement released by the public-relations firm. "It's insulting to me and to my audience, and it shows how lazy this particular sheriff is when it comes to doing his job."

Laney did not immediately return a phone message left for him Friday afternoon.

However, he told the Fargo Forum that some of the people netted in the sting thought the fake-out was funny, but others were upset.

"I think they were upset with themselves for being had," he said.

Osbourne continued by saying that Laney "tarnished" the rocker's reputation by insinuating that his shows attract a criminal element and that Laney performed the stunt for selfish reasons.

"It's obvious to me that this sheriff has an agenda and is just trying to make a name for himself on my back," Osbourne said.

Despite his thoughts on Laney's sting, Osbourne said he has no hard feelings for Fargo citizens and would be willing to come play Fargo again.

Osbourne and Zombie's show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Rapid City. Tickets are still available at www.gotmine.com.

Contact Ryan Woodard at 394-8412 or ryan.woodard@rapidcityjournal.com