Lost 1970 Black Sabbath Audio Has Surfaced
The full recording of a Dutch television session by the metal legends is now available to the public.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Metal
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The full audio from a 1970 Black Sabbath live performance in Hilversum, Netherlands, has surfaced after decades of presumed destruction. The recording features a 40-minute set from the band's debut album era.
Why it matters
The discovery is significant as the Dutch broadcaster AVRO previously claimed the tapes were destroyed in a fire. It provides fans with a rare, complete look at the band's early live sound, including a unique version of the song The Wizard.
The audio is currently available on the unofficial album The Lost 1970 Avro Sessions, which is strictly limited to 666 copies. The recording spans 40 minutes and originated from a television session produced in Hilversum.
The players
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath is a legendary English rock band formed in Birmingham, widely credited with pioneering the heavy metal genre.
AVRO
AVRO is a prominent Dutch public broadcaster that originally hosted and recorded the band for the television program Doebidoe.
The details
The set features performances of tracks from the band's debut album and includes a rendition of The Wizard with alternate lyrics. The audio is now streaming via the Internet Archive and YouTube, following years of speculation regarding the existence of the full tape.
Timeline
Black Sabbath recorded the Doebidoe television session in 1970.
A 20-second video clip of the session surfaced on YouTube in 2013.
The full audio of the 1970 session surfaced in 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This release highlights the ongoing demand for archival recordings and rare performances by foundational metal acts. It reflects a broader trend where lost television history is reclaimed through digital archives and fan-driven unofficial distributions.
Listeners can now access the full performance through streaming platforms such as YouTube and the Internet Archive. Physical collectors may find access to the limited 666-copy unofficial album significantly restricted due to its scarcity.
The takeaway
The surfacing of these tapes serves as a reminder of how much cultural history remains hidden in private or forgotten archives. Collectors should verify the authenticity of unofficial releases, while casual fans can enjoy the free, accessible digital streams now available.
Further reading
Explore more historical developments and rarities in Metal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Loudersound.
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Would you seek out and listen to newly surfaced live recordings from your favorite bands?
