Sharon Osbourne Fights to Stop Early Black Sabbath Demos from Being Released
Sharon Osbourne is taking a stand against the release of early Black Sabbath demos, which were recorded in 1969. The demos were initially announced by former manager Jim Simpson, who aimed to release them as “Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes” on July 25th. However, the project has not yet materialized.
Background on the Controversy
In a recent announcement, Jim Simpson reiterated his plan to unveil the recordings. This prompted Osbourne to respond promptly through her Instagram account, emphasizing that Black Sabbath opposes the release of these demos.
Osbourne’s Statement
In her Instagram post, Osbourne uploaded a letter she sent to Simpson after his June announcement. The letter highlighted several critical points regarding the unauthorized release:
- Black Sabbath has not heard the demos.
- Releasing them contradicts the band’s wishes.
- Legal action will be pursued if their rights are compromised.
Claims against Big Bear Records
Osbourne also challenged Simpson’s claim about his record label, Big Bear Records. She pointed out that it is not the longest-running independent record label in the UK, correcting that honor belongs to Topic Records, established in 1939.
Concerns Over Recordings
Osbourne’s post included strong objections regarding Simpson’s intentions. She stated that Black Sabbath never consented to release material through Big Bear Records or Trapeze Music. Furthermore, she mentioned that Simpson has not offered royalties to the band and refused to allow them to review the recordings he claims ownership of.
Sharon Osbourne remains adamant that the integrity of Black Sabbath’s legacy must be protected. The band’s opposition to the release of these early demos underscores their commitment to maintaining control over their artistic output.
