Sharon Osbourne Protests Black Sabbath Demo Release Against Bands Wishes

Sharon Osbourne is taking legal action to stop the release of early Black Sabbath recordings. The demos were recorded in 1969 when the band was still called Earth. Their first manager, Jim Simpson, plans to release them as “The Legendary Lost 1969 Tapes.”

The dispute centers on the ownership and copyright status of the recordings. Sharon Osbourne has publicly stated the band does not want these tapes released.

Legal Wrangling Delays Album Release

Sharon Osbourne sent emails to Jim Simpson demanding he halt the project. She stated the band members have not even heard the tapes. According to Reuters, legal threats have successfully delayed the album’s launch.

Online retailers now list varying release dates from late 2025 to early 2026. The initial July release date was missed entirely. This delay highlights the ongoing conflict between the band’s camp and their former manager.

Motives and Ownership Claims Questioned

Sharon Osbourne has questioned Simpson’s motives for the release. She accused him of waiting until the tapes were out of copyright. In the U.S., copyright for such works often expires after 50 years.

She also objected to the labels distributing the album. She stated Black Sabbath would never approve a release through Big Bear Records or Trapeze Music. The band is prepared to take all available legal action to protect their rights.

The future of these historic recordings remains uncertain. This legal battle over the Black Sabbath tapes underscores the complex legacy of rock archives. Fans may never hear these early demos officially.

Thought you’d like to know

What is on the 1969 Black Sabbath tapes?

The recordings are demos made at Zella Studios in Birmingham. The band, then called Earth, recorded them months before becoming Black Sabbath. They represent the group’s earliest known studio work.

Why does Sharon Osbourne oppose the release?

She states the band does not want the tapes released. The members have not been provided copies to review the content. She also questions the legal ownership of the recordings.

Who is Jim Simpson in relation to Black Sabbath?

Jim Simpson was the band’s first manager. He discovered them when they were still a local act called Earth. He managed them during their initial transition to Black Sabbath.

When will the lost tapes be released?

The release is currently delayed due to the legal dispute. Online vendors now show dates ranging from December 2025 to February 2026. It is unclear if the album will ever be officially issued.

Are the recordings out of copyright?

Sharon Osbourne claims Simpson waited for the 50-year U.S. copyright term to expire. This is a central point of the legal argument. The exact copyright status is likely being evaluated by lawyers.