NEWS
An album of Black Sabbath’s early recordings, when they still went by the name Earth, is set to be released for the first time.
Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward first came together in 1968 and originally named themselves The Polka Tulk Blues Band, before transitioning to Earth shortly afterwards.
In 1969, they recorded a number of demos in Zella Studios in Birmingham that were never released. Later that year they changed their name again to Black Sabbath, after a song they had recently written which itself was named after the 1963 Italian horror film of the same name.
With Sabbath’s huge farewell show set to take place this Saturday (July 5), it has now been announced that an album of demos that Earth recorded in 1969 will be released under the title ‘Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes’.
The project has been overseen by Jim Simpson, the band’s first manager. “Before Black Sabbath, the band were known as Earth – a blues-driven powerhouse already making a name for themselves,” he has said. “This new release presents rare early recordings from that era, remastered from long-lost tapes.”
“These recordings clearly demonstrate what fine music they produced right from the very beginning. We recorded these tracks at Zella Studio in Birmingham in 1969, but held back from releasing them as their style was evolving so quickly.”
“Now, some 57 years later, the recordings assume a greater importance, illustrating how these four young men from Birmingham, barely out of their teens, were excellent musicians and a fine band, fully deserving of all the success that was to come their way.”
‘Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes’ will be released on July 25 via Big Bear Records, although it is understood that the members of Black Sabbath are not involved in the release.
Ahead of their final show, Sabbath have been awarded the freedom of the city of Birmingham, with all four members being presented with scrolls and medals by the Lord Mayor.
Last week, the band shared their first behind-the-scenes look at preparations for their upcoming final show.
The Prince Of Darkness has not played a full gig since 2018, and has undergone multiple surgeries and experienced numerous health problems in recent years, including Parkinson’s disease.
Despite his health, Osbourne has said he is “giving 120 per cent” as he prepares for his last performance. “I’ve got this trainer guy who helps people get back to normal,” the singer said. “It’s hard going, but he’s convinced that he can pull it off for me. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. All I can say is I’m giving 120 per cent. If my God wants me to do the show, I’ll do it.”
He had previously told fans that he was “in heavy training” for the Black Sabbath farewell concert, and was back in the gym. Osbourne also said he would only be “doing little bits and pieces” with Sabbath at Villa Park amid his health problems: “I am doing what I can, where I feel comfortable.”
Zara Larsson has indicated that she may have cancelled her December 3 appearance at the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The singer initially confirmed that she would not attend, before removing the comment and sharing a more detailed explanation of why the performance no longer feels right for her.
The Swedish star was scheduled to take the stage at Etihad Live on Yas Island during the Yasalam After-Race Concerts. Zara and Lewis Capaldi were due to launch the weekend’s entertainment. However, supporters encouraged her to reconsider the booking because of concerns surrounding the United Arab Emirates’ reported connections to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary organisation accused of committing atrocities during the nation’s civil conflict.
A fan commented: “Please read about what UAE is doing to Sudan then cancel your Abu Dhabi show!” Zara responded: “I will not be going to Abu Dhabi.” Fans later realised that both comments had been removed.
She then shared that she had been considering what it means for her, as an artist, to perform in particular countries.
The Midnight Sun singer explained: “I think about that a lot in my life as an artist… I wanna perform and spread joy and music for people in every country, because no single person is their government.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people from every corner of the world and I know this to be true in my heart. I love people, and I love my fans soooo much.”
Zara acknowledged that her original comment “maybe came off as an impulsive response,” but explained that she had given the booking serious thought. She now believes withdrawing is the decision that “aligns with me the most right now, for many different personal reasons beyond politics.”
She continued: “Maybe I’ll delete both comments and do a better statement soon. I hope to sing with you in the beautiful future!”
