This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/7/2024
Sabbath’s legendary LP signed around the time of its release
Here is an impossibly rare original 1970 UK ‘Earliest’ thick vinyl first Vertigo ‘Large Swirl’ pressing of Black Sabbath’s second studio album ‘Paranoid’ vintage signed on the inner gatefold by all four original members: Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Jerry ‘Geezer’ Butler, and Bill Ward. All four have signed beautifully in blue ballpoint by their respective images with Ozzy adding ‘Keep Stoned’ and Butler adding ‘Much Happiness’. The signatures date to the album’s release. Unsigned examples of this first press Vertigo 'large swirl' label are exceedingly rare. This LP is one of the first pressed, and has the wording ‘VERTIGO’ credited below the spindle hole on label side B. Also includes the ‘Big Bear’ management credit. Just as the album was being released, the band had a falling out with then manager, Jim Simpson, and quickly removed his name from the credits. The matrix numbers are Side A: 6360011 1Y//1 420 and Side B: 6360011 2Y//1 420. Side B has two gaps between the tracks, whereas all subsequent pressings have three gaps.
The cover is in near mint condition, with mild residue of a price sticker on the back cover. The record labels are in near mint condition. The vinyl is in excellent condition. The signed matte gatefold cover (with extra 'Jim Simpson' / 'Big Bear' credit) is in stunning condition. You will not find another that survived, especially in this condition. Unsigned first pressings are exceedingly rare. This is the holy grail of Black Sabbath collecting. Very few unsigned first Vertigo pressings have surfaced, and this only the second vintage-signed example we have encountered. Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from music memorabilia authority Tracks UK, as well as a full Letter of Authenticity from James Spence Authentication (JSA).