Sharon Osbourne Challenges Release of Black Sabbath’s Early Recordings Album
Sharon Osbourne has openly challenged the release of an album dedicated to Black Sabbath’s earliest recordings, which were originally made when the band was named Earth. Titled “Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes,” the compilation was announced in June, aiming to feature demos recorded in 1969 at Zella Studios in Birmingham.
Concerns Over Legal Ownership
The project, managed by Jim Simpson during that period, was expected to release in July; however, this timeline was not met. In a recent social media post, Sharon expressed her concerns regarding the legal ownership of the recordings. She emphasized that the Black Sabbath members do not support this release.
Band’s Lack of Access to Recordings
According to Sharon, the band has not been granted access to the recordings despite prior assurances. She stated, “As you know, the Band do not want these tapes released, not least as they haven’t heard them despite you saying you would provide copies long ago,” in an email to Jim Simpson.
- Release Title: Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes
- Original Recording Year: 1969
- Recording Location: Zella Studios, Birmingham
- Projected Release Date: July 2023
Potential Legal Actions
Sharon further warned that if the release goes ahead against the band’s wishes, legal action would be pursued in both the U.S. and U.K. She raised questions about the financial arrangements surrounding the studio session, suggesting that Simpson may have ulterior motives regarding possible profits from the album.
Discussions and Disagreements
In an episode of “The Osbournes” podcast, Sharon reiterated her concerns. She accused Simpson of attempting to claim ownership of the recordings for personal financial gain. In response, Simpson expressed disappointment over Sharon’s stance. He suggested that a conversation could have led to an amicable resolution, denying her claims as misleading and potentially defamatory.
Future of the Project Remains Uncertain
Simpson also assured that all band members would receive their fair share of royalties from the album’s profits, stating his willingness to negotiate a deal for the launch of the project. As it stands, “Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes” has not yet been released, leaving its future in limbo.
Family Updates on Ozzy Osbourne
In other news, the Osbourne family has reported contact from notable figures such as Donald Trump and King Charles following the passing of Ozzy Osbourne in July. They also revealed that Ozzy had been secretly hospitalized just two weeks prior to his last concert. His declining health, notably worsening after a fall in December 2024, has compounded his ongoing struggles with various medical issues, including Parkinson’s Disease.
