Sharon Osbourne Challenges Release of Early Black Sabbath Demos, Addresses Former Manager Jim Simpson

The conflict surrounding Black Sabbath’s early demo recordings has intensified, drawing attention to Sharon Osbourne’s criticism of the band’s first manager, Jim Simpson. This dispute was highlighted in a recent episode of The Osbournes Podcast, where Sharon accused Simpson of attempting to release pre-Black Sabbath material without the band’s consent.

Sharon Osbourne Challenges Jim Simpson on Early Black Sabbath Demos

Jim Simpson, who managed the band in the late 1960s when they were known as Earth, claims legal ownership of these recordings. He has announced a project titled “Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes,” which he argues he is entitled to release. However, Sharon has countered this assertion.

Details from the Controversy

In a detailed Instagram post on November 15, Sharon shared screenshots of emails that she claims prove she warned Simpson against proceeding with the release. She stated, “My emails to Mr. Simpson were not threatening. I was clearly stating the facts about Black Sabbath’s legal position.” This response came after Simpson’s press release dated November 14, 2025.

Claims Regarding Record Labels

Sharon also disputed Simpson’s assertion that Big Bear Records is the “longest-running independent record label in the UK.” She clarified that Topic Records, established in 1939, holds that title. Sharon emphasized that Big Bear is not a limited company and does not disclose its financial records publicly.

• Big Bear Records has no legal standing as a limited company.
• Topic Records is recognized as the oldest independent record label in the world.

Concerns Over Financial Issues

In her analysis, Sharon revealed troubling financial concerns surrounding Trapeze Music & Entertainment Ltd, the company partnering with Simpson. She noted that the label is reportedly in debt, with liabilities amounting to £539,000 and additional debts of £1.442 million in its entertainment division. Furthermore, a previous iteration under the same banner went into liquidation in 2018.

Legal Implications and Artist Permissions

Sharon pointed out serious legal implications regarding the Black Sabbath material. She asserted that the recordings were not out of copyright in the USA and questioned the legitimacy of any sale without proper authorization from the artists or their estates.

The Osbourne Family’s Recent Experiences

During the same podcast episode, Sharon, Kelly, and Jack Osbourne shared bizarre fan encounters following Ozzy Osbourne’s passing. They recounted alarming incidents, including one fan who mailed them toenails and blood, claiming to be Ozzy’s daughter. Kelly humorously remarked on these unusual interactions, reflecting on the strange challenges the family faces.

In summary, the ongoing dispute over the early Black Sabbath demos illustrates the complex interplay between legal rights and personal relationships in the music industry. Sharon Osbourne’s challenges to Jim Simpson highlight her commitment to protecting the band’s legacy.