Widow of Late Manager Ernest Chapman Plans to Release Unheard Tony Iommi Recordings
London, UK – May 22, 2025
In a development that’s stirring excitement and debate among rock fans, the widow of Ernest Chapman, the late longtime manager of Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, has announced plans to release a collection of previously unheard recordings made by the legendary musician.
Chapman, who managed Iommi for several decades until his death in 2022, was known to have been a trusted confidant and legal advisor during a critical period of Iommi’s solo and Sabbath career. According to sources close to the Chapman family, Ernest had privately archived a number of unreleased demo recordings, believed to be from Iommi’s solo sessions and other collaborative projects that never saw the light of day.
“It was Ernest’s wish that this music not be forgotten,” said his widow, Elaine Chapman, in a statement. “Tony’s work meant everything to him—not just the releases, but the pieces that were still in progress or set aside. We believe fans deserve to hear the depth of Tony’s creativity from those quiet moments behind the scenes.”
The recordings are reportedly from the late 1980s through the early 2000s and may feature collaborations with a range of musicians, some of whom remain unnamed due to ongoing rights discussions. While no specific release date has been given, Elaine Chapman confirmed that talks are underway with music publishers and representatives from Iommi’s current management.
Representatives for Tony Iommi have not yet issued a formal response. However, sources indicate that the guitarist was not previously aware of the full extent of the archive, and discussions are expected to take place regarding intellectual property rights and proper handling of the material.
The news has already sparked speculation among Black Sabbath fans and collectors, many of whom are eager to hear what could be some of Iommi’s most intimate and experimental work.
“It’s a potential treasure trove,” said rock historian Marcus Fielding. “Given Iommi’s legacy and Ernest Chapman’s deep involvement in his career, any unreleased material from this archive could be a significant addition to the canon of British rock music.”
More details are expected in the coming weeks as negotiations progress.
