Jim Simpson Responds to Sharon Osbourne’s Claims Over Black Sabbath Demos

Jim Simpson, the inaugural manager of the legendary band Black Sabbath, has issued a statement following Sharon Osbourne’s comments on The Osbournes podcast. During the episode, Sharon criticized Simpson for his attempts to release early demos from Black Sabbath’s formative years, a time when the band was still known as Earth, and for doing so without the approval of the band or the Osbourne family.

Background of the Controversy

Following the death of Ozzy Osbourne, the Osbourne family came together to reflect on their experiences and memories, during which Sharon brought up her ongoing dispute with Simpson regarding the demos. The conflict centers around Simpson’s claim to the ownership of these recordings, which he allegedly intends to release.

Simpson’s Response to Sharon Osbourne

In a press release, Jim Simpson described Sharon’s remarks as “inaccurate and unfair criticisms.” He expressed disappointment that she chose to attack him publicly rather than engage in a private discussion. “It’s such a shame Sharon has decided to go all out on the attack without sitting down to talk about this,” he stated, emphasizing the potential defamation in her comments.

Ownership of the Demos

One of Sharon’s main points of contention was Simpson’s assertion of ownership over the demos, which she challenged based on his claim of having financed the studio time. “He claims ownership because he says he paid the bill for the studio which he says was 500 pounds,” Sharon remarked. In response, Simpson defended his financial capacity at the time, highlighting his prior successes in managing bands and recording music. “At the time, Earth were just the newest of the bands I managed… I did pay for the Earth recordings and they belong to me,” he asserted.

Allegations of Timing and Intent

Sharon further alleged that Simpson remained silent about the demos until the copyright had lapsed, and that he sought to release them without involving the band or the family. Simpson countered by recounting his busy career after parting ways with Black Sabbath, during which he focused on promoting blues music and jazz. He claimed that he had approached the band about releasing the demos in September 2024 but was met with resistance, including threatening emails from Sharon.

Claims Regarding Royalties and Charity

Simpson also took issue with Sharon’s suggestion that he intended to keep all profits from the release for himself. He clarified his desire to ensure that all band members would receive royalties. “I wanted all band members to receive royalties from the album in the usual way,” he remarked. Additionally, he addressed Sharon’s claims about his lack of charitable intentions, stating that he had correspondence with a charity that would benefit if Black Sabbath declined royalties.

Addressing Financial Claims

Sharon Osbourne pointed out the financial struggles the band faced earlier in their career, implying that Simpson was to blame. Simpson, however, refuted this, stating that under his management, Black Sabbath experienced considerable success, releasing their iconic debut album and its follow-up, which sold millions worldwide. He attributed the band’s subsequent financial troubles to their decision to break their management contract with him.

Possibility of Resolution

Despite the ongoing dispute, Simpson expressed his willingness to discuss a resolution with the Osbourne family. He proposed a meeting to explore potential collaboration concerning the release of the demos.

Details on ‘Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes’

Simpson revealed that the collection titled Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes includes previously unheard recordings, featuring blues covers and original tracks. He hopes that the release will serve as a significant contribution to music history, showcasing the band’s early talent and creativity.

Conclusion

The clash between Jim Simpson and Sharon Osbourne highlights the complexities of ownership and creative rights in the music industry, especially regarding iconic bands like Black Sabbath. As both parties stand firm in their positions, the future of the demos remains uncertain, leaving fans eager for a resolution that honors the legacy of Ozzy and the band.

FAQs

What are the ‘Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes’?

‘Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes’ is a collection of previously unreleased recordings from Black Sabbath’s early days when they were known as Earth. It includes blues covers and original songs that showcase the band’s early musical style.

Why did Jim Simpson and Sharon Osbourne clash over the demos?

The clash arose over Simpson’s intention to release early demos without the approval of the band or the Osbourne family, with Sharon questioning his ownership of the recordings and his motives.

What is Jim Simpson’s response to Sharon Osbourne’s claims?

Jim Simpson refuted Sharon’s allegations, asserting his ownership of the demos, his intentions to distribute royalties to the band members, and his plans to donate proceeds to charity if the band declined payments.

Is there a possibility of collaboration between Jim Simpson and the Osbourne family regarding the demos?

Yes, Jim Simpson expressed his willingness to meet with the Osbourne family to discuss potential collaboration on the release of the demos.