Early Black Sabbath Ozzy Osbourne Tapes May Spark Legal Showdown
Sharon Osbourne has recently threatened legal action against Jim Simpson, the original manager of Black Sabbath, over unreleased recordings featuring her late husband, Ozzy Osbourne. The dispute centers on Simpson’s intentions to release an album containing material from the band’s early years when they were still known as Earth. This announcement was made in June, nearly 57 years after the band’s formation.
Legal Controversy Surrounding Black Sabbath Tapes
The conflict escalated when Sharon publicly urged fans not to purchase “The Legendary Lost Tapes.” She expressed concerns about the legitimacy of the ownership of these recordings, questioning Simpson’s motives. During a recent podcast, she did not hold back, calling Simpson a “pig” and stating, “I don’t care what the fk your name is.”
Simpson’s Response
Jim Simpson, now in his 80s, responded to Sharon’s accusations, labeling her remarks as “inaccurate, unfair, and potentially defamatory.” He stated that he personally financed the studio sessions back in 1969 for the band, which later became famous as Black Sabbath. Simpson mentioned that he has restored and digitally remastered the recordings but has delayed the album’s release due to the ongoing legal threats.
Claims of Ownership and Intent
Simpson insists that he owns the recordings and that all band members were informed before August 2024. In response to Sharon, he clarified that he intended for the band members to receive royalties from the album, a claim that contradicts Sharon’s statement alleging he wants all profits for himself. He also dismissed claims about his plans to pocket proceeds, stating that any royalties not accepted by the band would be donated to charity.
- Album Title: The Legendary Lost Tapes
- Original Band Name: Earth
- Formation Year: 1966
- First Album Release: Black Sabbath (February 1970)
- Second Album Release: Paranoid (September 1970)
- Chart Performance: Paranoid reached number 4 in the charts
Future Prospects
Simpson has proposed a potential meeting with Sharon to discuss the album’s release and hopes for a resolution. He believes that the upcoming album is a vital piece of music history that showcases the early talent of Ozzy Osbourne and his bandmates. He aims for the album to be a valuable contribution to fans of Black Sabbath.
As the legal battle unfolds, both parties remain firm in their positions. Sharon Osbourne continues to ask fans to refrain from supporting the album’s release unless a proper agreement is reached. With the stakes high, the future of the unreleased Black Sabbath tapes remains uncertain.
