Sharon Osbourne Urges Halt on Release of Early Black Sabbath Recordings
Sharon Osbourne is vocal against the potential release of early Black Sabbath recordings. The compilation, titled “Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes,” was slated for launch by Jim Simpson, the band’s first manager. This project is linked to recordings made in 1969 at Zella Studios in Birmingham when the band was known as Earth.
Concerns Over Legal Ownership
Sharon Osbourne disputes the legal ownership of these recordings. She argues that the band, consisting of her late husband Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, does not support their release. In an Instagram statement, she highlighted that the band’s reluctance stems from a lack of communication and access to the tapes.
Financial Issues with Trapeze Music
Sharon criticized the new partnership between Big Bear Records and Trapeze Music Entertainment Ltd. She stated, “Let it be known that Trapeze Music is an out-of-copyright UK-based label that is in debt for £539,000.” Additionally, she mentioned the entertainment division’s debt of £1.442 million.
- Trapeze encountered previous financial difficulties, with a prior entity going into liquidation in 2018.
- Discovery Records Limited had an estimated deficiency of £1,407,388 at that time.
Black Sabbath’s Stance on Tape Release
In emails shared by Sharon, she emphasized that the band never approved the release of these recordings. She noted that they hadn’t even heard the tapes. Furthermore, she warned Simpson of potential legal actions should the release proceed against the band’s wishes.
- Sharon’s perspective is that Black Sabbath never intended for these demos to be made public.
- She urged fans to refrain from purchasing the material, clearly stating that it does not reflect the band’s desires.
Through her outreach, Sharon aims to protect the legacy of Black Sabbath and preserve the band’s wishes regarding unreleased materials. The future of “Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes” remains uncertain as discussions continue. The band’s strong opposition illustrates the importance of respecting artists’ rights and intentions surrounding their creative works.
