Sharon Osbourne Urges Against Release of Black Sabbath’s Early ‘Earth’ Recordings

Sharon Osbourne challenges former manager over legal rights to Black Sabbath’s earliest Earth demos, seeking to protect the band’s legacy.

A Rock Legend’s Hidden Past: Why These Early Tracks Matter

If you’re even a casual fan of heavy metal history, the idea of unreleased Black Sabbath recordings recorded back when the band went by the name Earth is the kind of treasure trove that ignites a million “what ifs” and “could this be the lost gem?” moments. But Sharon Osbourne, the fierce guardian of Black Sabbath’s legacy, has stepped into the ring, calling for the project to be halted.

The Legendary Lost Tapes: What’s Been Planned?

Back in June, a compilation album titled Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes was announced, promising fans a dive into the band’s raw beginnings. The tracks were recorded in 1969 at Zella Studios in Birmingham, featuring Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward before they adopted the iconic Black Sabbath name.

The brains behind this release? Jim Simpson, who was the band’s manager during those formative years. He was expected to oversee the production with a release targeted for July. But the album never saw the light of day. Why? Because Sharon Osbourne raised serious legal and ethical flags.

Sharon’s Stand: Protecting Black Sabbath’s Rights

In an earnest and detailed social media post dated November 15, Sharon laid out the band’s official stance. She emphasized that the band members themselves hadn’t even heard these recordings, despite promises from Simpson to provide copies long ago. More than that, Sharon warned Simpson that the band would fiercely defend their rights “both here and in America” should he push forward against their wishes.

She even shared an email she claims to have sent to Simpson back in July, stating:

“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. You know that, as a band, Black Sabbath don’t take things lying down and you can be assured that if you go ahead with this against the Band’s wishes we will take any action [when and] where their rights are infringed, both here and in America.”

It’s a powerful reminder that even rock legends have to battle over control of their art, especially when it’s as precious as the very roots of their sound.

Podcast Revelations: A Clash of Stories

Sharon didn’t stop at social media. On an episode of The Osbournes podcast, she delved deeper, disputing Simpson’s claim that he paid just £500 (around $600 USD) for the studio session and accusing him of planning to keep all profits for himself. Talk about drama behind the scenes!

Not surprisingly, Simpson fired back. In response, he lamented Sharon’s “all out attack” and called her comments “inaccurate and potentially defamatory.” He also expressed a willingness to meet and negotiate royalties with the band members, hoping they could strike a deal to finally release the album the right way.

The Current Status: Earth Tapes Still in Limbo

As it stands, Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes remains unreleased. The tug-of-war over rights and respect for the band’s wishes has put the project on indefinite hold.

Fresh Echoes from the Osbourne Family

While the Earth tapes saga unfolds, the Osbourne family continues to share poignant moments from their recent past. They revealed that after Ozzy Osbourne’s passing in July 2025, both Donald Trump and King Charles personally reached out with messages of condolence, underscoring the global impact of Ozzy’s legacy.

They also disclosed that Ozzy was secretly hospitalized only two weeks before his final concert, battling ongoing health struggles including Parkinson’s Disease. Jack Osbourne shared that “things started getting worse” after Ozzy had a fall in early December 2024 — a sobering reminder of the man behind the metal icon.

Legacy and Loyalty: What This Means for Black Sabbath Fans

This whole situation is a fascinating, if bittersweet, glimpse into how even legendary bands wrestle with protecting their art and history. These early Earth recordings could offer a once-in-a-lifetime window into the genesis of heavy metal, but only if the band consents and the release honors their rights and wishes.

For fans, it’s a reminder that behind every album, every song, there’s a human story filled with pride, protection, and sometimes conflict.

Have you ever stumbled on unreleased tracks from your favorite band and felt torn about whether they should be shared? What’s your take on the Black Sabbath Earth tapes controversy?

FAQ

• Who was the original name of Black Sabbath?
  They were originally called Earth before adopting the Black Sabbath name in late 1969.
• Why is Sharon Osbourne opposing the release of the Earth tapes?
  She claims the band members haven’t heard the recordings, dispute the legal ownership, and want to protect the band’s rights and legacy from unauthorized release.
• Who is Jim Simpson in relation to Black Sabbath?
  Jim Simpson was Black Sabbath's first manager and oversaw the band during their early days as Earth.
• Has the album Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes been released?
  No, the release has been indefinitely postponed due to ongoing legal disputes and opposition from Black Sabbath’s representatives.
• What health issues did Ozzy Osbourne face before his passing?
  Ozzy battled Parkinson’s Disease and other medical problems, including a fall shortly before his last concert, which led to hospitalization.

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