Overview
- In a new statement, Sharon Osbourne shared correspondence and disputed Big Bear Records’ claims about its status while questioning distributor Trapeze’s finances and copyright practices, citing debts and a brief U.S. digital posting that was withdrawn.
- She said her emails were not threats, asserted the band would block any release via Big Bear or Trapeze, and alleged Jim Simpson never offered royalties and has not let Black Sabbath hear the recordings.
- Simpson countered that he paid for the 1969 EARTH studio sessions and owns the tapes, which he restored for a planned album titled Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes.
- He says he proposed standard royalties for the band and, if refused, directing proceeds to Birmingham charity St Basils, and he reiterated willingness to meet to negotiate a release.
- The album’s release is postponed following Sharon Osbourne’s legal challenge, with Simpson describing the material as early studio work from Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward.