Sharon Osbourne, the wife and manager of the late Ozzy Osbourne, has released a detailed response to Jim Simpson, the first manager of BLACK SABBATH, regarding his plans to release an album of tracks from the pre-BLACK SABBATH era. Simpson, now in his late 80s, claims ownership of the recordings made when Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward were in a band called EARTH. He argues that he paid for the recordings in 1969 and has since restored and remastered them, intending to release them as ‘Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes’. However, Sharon refutes Simpson’s claims, highlighting several legal and factual discrepancies.
In her response, Sharon clarifies that she was not threatening in her emails to Simpson, but rather stating the legal facts about BLACK SABBATH’s position. She corrects Simpson’s claim about Big Bear Records, pointing out that it is not the oldest independent record label in the UK, but rather Topic Records, which has been operating since 1939. Sharon also questions the credibility of Simpson’s distribution partner, Trapeze Music & Entertainment Ltd, noting their financial troubles and past bankruptcy. She emphasizes that BLACK SABBATH would never have allowed their music to be released through Big Bear Records or Trapeze Music, and Simpson never offered the band any royalties.
Sharon further addresses Simpson’s invitation for coffee, explaining that she was unavailable due to being at Villa Park for a soundcheck. She also clarifies that Simpson’s Q&A was for personal commercial gain, not a genuine discussion. Simpson initially responded to Sharon’s comments, criticizing her for being ‘all out on the attack’ and making ‘inaccurate and potentially defamatory comments’. However, he later insisted that he is the legal owner of the EARTH recordings and that he gave BLACK SABBATH an opportunity to be involved in the release process, which they declined.
The album ‘Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes’ features three blues covers and two versions of a track called ‘Song For Jim’, with the name directly referencing Simpson. Simpson believes the album will be a significant contribution to music history, showcasing the early musical prowess of Ozzy, Tony, Geezer, and Bill. However, Sharon’s response highlights the complex legal and ethical considerations surrounding the release of these recordings.