Sharon Osbourne is firing back at her former manager Jim Simpson's claims to release unheard Black Sabbath tapes, publicly challenging his authority on social media.
Simpson recently announced plans to release a collection of 1969 demos recorded by the band before they adopted the Black Sabbath name, titled "Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes". However, Osbourne disputes these claims in a detailed Instagram post shared over the weekend.
The dispute has escalated as it comes months after the death of her husband, founding Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne. Osbourne's post includes screenshots of a July 2 email she says she sent to Simpson, warning him against moving forward without the band's approval.
Osbourne publicly expressed her opposition to the release of the tapes, stating that the band does not want them released and has not heard them despite Simpson claiming he would provide copies long ago.
"We will take any action where their rights are infringed, both here and in America," she wrote.
The demos in question feature the band's original lineup during a brief period when they performed under the name Earth. While recordings from this era have been of interest to collectors, the group has historically kept tight control over their early catalog and archival releases.
With Simpson's proposed release stalled, Osbourne's post signals the band's intention to challenge any distribution that doesn't involve Black Sabbath's approval. The future of the recordings remains unclear as legal questions are yet to be resolved.
Simpson recently announced plans to release a collection of 1969 demos recorded by the band before they adopted the Black Sabbath name, titled "Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes". However, Osbourne disputes these claims in a detailed Instagram post shared over the weekend.
The dispute has escalated as it comes months after the death of her husband, founding Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne. Osbourne's post includes screenshots of a July 2 email she says she sent to Simpson, warning him against moving forward without the band's approval.
Osbourne publicly expressed her opposition to the release of the tapes, stating that the band does not want them released and has not heard them despite Simpson claiming he would provide copies long ago.
"We will take any action where their rights are infringed, both here and in America," she wrote.
The demos in question feature the band's original lineup during a brief period when they performed under the name Earth. While recordings from this era have been of interest to collectors, the group has historically kept tight control over their early catalog and archival releases.
With Simpson's proposed release stalled, Osbourne's post signals the band's intention to challenge any distribution that doesn't involve Black Sabbath's approval. The future of the recordings remains unclear as legal questions are yet to be resolved.
. I remember when Black Sabbath was on top back in the 70s and 80s, they were super protective of their music and legacy. It's good that Sharon is standing up for her hubby Ozzy's wishes.
. So, let's just leave the Earth era recordings alone and focus on some new music, am I right? 
I'm kinda with her though, like if Ozzy passed away and she was still in charge, it'd make sense for the band to have a say. These tapes are basically ancient history at this point 
. It's about protecting their legacy and whatnot...
IT'S SO BAD WHEN PEOPLE DISRESPECT A BAND'S LEGACY LIKE THIS. SHARON OSBOURNE IS 100% RIGHT TO CHALLENGE HIS AUTHORITY, THOUGH - SHE KNOWS HER MANAGE AND THE BAND BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE. AND CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW HARD IT MUST BE FOR SHARON TO DEAL WITH ALL THIS WHILE STILL GORGING OVER LOSING HER HUSBAND? 
. I mean, who wants some old demos just floating around without their input? It's like someone else gets to decide what's best for their legacy and history... no way! 
They've always been super protective of their music and this is just another example of how it can be taken advantage of. Jim Simpson might think he's doing the right thing, but really, he's just causing drama and potentially damaging someone else's reputation. Can't we just respect their wishes for once? 
and btw, why hasn't this been settled in ozzy's name before now? didn't he have control over his own music?! this just makes me wanna listen to some black sabbath (especially earth) ASAP 
this is crazy! Sharon is being super protective of her husband Ozzy's legacy and I gotta respect that 
, but at the same time, it's like Jim Simpson just thought he could swoop in and start selling unreleased Black Sabbath tapes without even talking to Sharon or the rest of the band? 
doesn't seem very cool of him 
. I mean, can you imagine if someone tried to release some of your old music without asking you first? 
would be a total nightmare 
.
. The band's always been super protective of their early stuff, what with the whole "Earth" thing and all 
. Simpson should've known better than to mess with them over this 
. Now we'll just have to see how this plays out in court...and hopefully someone gets a good lawyer 
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It's not like she's been playing it cool, either - she's totally owning this situation and putting her foot down. The fact that Ozzy's passed away and all, makes this even more messed up... can't they just leave the family and the band alone?! 
if these new demos are real, it could be massive. 
these two are going head-to-head over control & ownership. 
let's keep an eye on this one, folks! 
did you know Ozzy's net worth was around $230 million at the time of his passing? 
. Sharon Osbourne is totally right to speak up for her late hubby Ozzy and their team - it's huge respect to stand by the band's wishes like that 
. It's gotta be super tough for them, still dealing with all these decisions months after losing Ozzy 
. Can't wait to see how this whole thing plays out in court