Sharon Osbourne has urged the former manager of Black Sabbath to block the release of an album featuring early recordings of the iconic band. This call comes in response to a planned compilation titled ‘Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes.’ The album is set to include demos recorded by the original lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—when they were known as Earth in 1969.
Background on the Recordings
The recordings were made at Zella Studios in Birmingham. Initially scheduled for release this July, the album’s publication has since faced delays. Jim Simpson, the band’s manager at the time, is overseeing the project.
Sharon Osbourne’s Stance
On November 15, Sharon Osbourne issued a comprehensive post on social media where she addressed the legal complexities regarding the recordings. In her statement, she emphasized that the band does not support the release. She also shared an email she sent to Simpson, expressing concern that the band had not been given copies of the recordings.
- Sharon stated: “The band do not want these tapes released.”
- She warned of potential legal actions if the release proceeds against the band’s wishes.
Response from Jim Simpson
Simpson responded to Sharon’s accusations during a recent episode of The Osbournes podcast. He expressed disappointment at her public attack without prior discussions. He described her statements as “inaccurate and potentially defamatory.”
- Simpson mentioned he had offered to meet with Sharon to discuss possible agreements regarding the album.
- He affirmed his intention for all band members to receive royalties from the release.
Current Status of ‘Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes’
As of now, ‘Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes’ remains unreleased. The ongoing dispute highlights the complicated relationship between the band and their former management.
Additional News from the Osbourne Family
In related developments, the Osbourne family revealed that notable figures, including Donald Trump and King Charles, reached out to them following Ozzy’s passing in July. Additionally, it was disclosed that Ozzy was secretly hospitalized just two weeks before his last concert, with his health reportedly deteriorating after an incident in December 2024.
