Discover Black Sabbath’s Lost Tapes From Their Earth Era

In a groundbreaking revelation for heavy metal fans, the legendary band that originally went by Earth has unveiled their hidden gem: unreleased demos recorded in 1969. These tracks are set to grace the world with the release of Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes on July 25. It’s a monumental moment for a group that would go on to redefine the genre with their darker and heavier sound.

This remastered collection features original recordings from iconic members: lead singer Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, and bassist Geezer Butler. Jim Simpson, who was the band’s first manager, takes charge of this illuminating project, bringing to light the raw talent that existed in those early years.

Jim Simpson reminisced about that pivotal era, describing Earth as “a blues-driven powerhouse” that was already making waves before they adopted the name Black Sabbath. He mentioned, “This new release presents rare early recordings from that era, remastered from long-lost tapes,” showcasing how the band’s sound was evolving at a remarkable pace.

He added, “These recordings clearly demonstrate what fine music they produced right from the very beginning.” Captured at Zella Studio in Birmingham, these tracks remained shelved until now, but they serve as a testament to the band’s potential and musicianship. “Fifty-seven years later, these tracks illustrate how these four young men, barely out of their teens, were excellent musicians and a fine band—fully deserving of all the success that was to come,” Simpson asserted.

Black Sabbath underwent various transformations before settling on their iconic name. Starting off as the Polka Tulk Blues Band and later performing as Earth, the band’s trajectory shifted dramatically when they adopted the name Black Sabbath. This name has now become synonymous with heavy metal music and rebellion, marking their place in rock history.

Coincidentally, the release of the lost tapes aligns with an anticipated reunion concert on July 5 in Birmingham, marking what is branded as their final performance. This show will be a homecoming of sorts for the band and a nostalgic experience for fans, featuring a star-studded lineup that includes Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, Pantera, Slayer, and more.

Ozzy Osbourne himself expressed that preparing for this monumental event has provided him with motivation during a challenging time in his life. “You wake up the next morning and find that something else has gone wrong,” he reflected on his health struggles over the past decade. Yet, there’s an undeniable determination in his voice as he adds, “I’ll be there, and I’ll do the best I can. So all I can do is turn up.” This unwavering attitude speaks volumes about his commitment to his music and the fans.

The excitement surrounding these lost tapes and the upcoming concert showcases the enduring impact of Black Sabbath on the music landscape. As fans look forward to this rare glimpse into the band’s formative years, it becomes evident that their legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and listeners alike.