Sharon Osbourne urges halting release of early Black Sabbath recordings
Sharon Osbourne has called for the halt of an upcoming compilation featuring early Black Sabbath recordings. The legendary band, known originally as Earth, recorded these sessions in Birmingham’s Zella Studios in 1969. Jim Simpson, their former manager, recently announced plans to release “Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes,” but controversy surrounds the ownership rights and the band’s wishes.
Background of the Recordings
During their formative years, the original Black Sabbath lineup—including Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—recorded several tracks as Earth. These recordings define a crucial stage in the band’s history and were created while they were still establishing their musical identity.
Sharon Osbourne’s Concerns
Sharon Osbourne, the widow of Ozzy Osbourne, has taken to social media to express her strong opposition to the album’s release. She questions the legal ownership of the recordings and insists that the band does not want the tracks to be made public. In an Instagram post, she stated that Jim Simpson is attempting to relaunch Big Bear Records through a distribution deal with Trapeze Music Entertainment Ltd.
Financial Issues and Legal Complications
Sharon raised flags about Trapeze Music, highlighting that the company is burdened with significant debts totaling £1.442 million in its entertainment division. She also pointed out their troubled history, noting that Discovery Records Limited, an earlier venture under the same banner, went into liquidation in 2018, leaving behind a considerable deficiency.
Copyright Concerns
Sharon argues that the recordings in question are not out of copyright in the USA. Trapeze allegedly tried to distribute these recordings but soon withdrew them when informed of the legal complications surrounding their release. The situation poses an infringement risk, as the band had previously agreed to be informed 14 days prior to any release.
Communication with Jim Simpson
In her communications with Simpson, Sharon emphasized that Black Sabbath does not support the album’s release. She pointed out that the band has never heard these recordings, contradicting Simpson’s claims of providing copies. Sharon warned that if the release proceeds against the band’s wishes, legal actions will be taken to protect their rights.
Message to Fans
Sharon made it clear that she intends to inform Black Sabbath fans that the demos in question were never intended for public release. She urged fans not to purchase material that does not represent the band’s vision.
This ongoing issue reflects the complexities of music rights and the importance of respecting artists’ wishes regarding their work. As discussions continue, the fate of “Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes” remains uncertain.
