Black Sabbath
ListenEvil Woman · 1970
Black Sabbath — “Evil Woman,” 1970.
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1970 · Fontana
Evil Woman / Wicked World
Black Sabbath’s first single was a song they had been reluctant to record. Released on Fontana in January 1970, their version of Crow’s “Evil Woman” introduced the Birmingham quartet on vinyl, with their own “Wicked World” on the reverse. [1] [2] [3]
| Accession | OMMA-0039 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Black Sabbath |
| Release | 1970 · United Kingdom |
| Label | Fontana · TF 1067 |
| Format | 7-inch vinyl single · 45 rpm · mono |
| Issue | UK promotional copy · red A label |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | NM |
Release history and significance
Ozzy Osbourne later remembered “Evil Woman” as a bargain the band had struck with its record company. Fontana wanted a cover before committing to an album; Sabbath wanted to release their own music. In Osbourne’s recollection, the single’s failure came as a relief. [1]
The band was finding a darker identity after its earlier days as Earth. Osbourne recalled rehearsing opposite a cinema and wondering why people would pay to be frightened by a film. The possibility of doing something similar with music helped give Black Sabbath its direction. [1]
On this single, the Crow cover is paired with a composition credited to all four members: Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward and Osbourne. Rodger Bain produced both sides, with Barry Sheffield engineering “Evil Woman” and Tom Allom engineering “Wicked World.” [3]
The Fontana release arrived just before the self-titled album on Vertigo in February 1970. The single made little commercial impression, but the album quickly found an audience. This promotional copy records the moment when the band’s future was still being negotiated one release at a time. [2]
Market context
Discogs lists sales for the UK Fontana promotional edition from US$94.59 to US$648.65, with a median of US$135.14, as recorded on 13 September 2026. [3]
Physical Description
White Fontana labels with black printing and a large red A across the photographed side. The label states “NOT FOR SALE” and “MONO,” and carries catalogue numbers TF 1067 and 267 977 TF. A black centre adaptor is fitted in the photograph.
Condition
Recorded as Near Mint; the acquisition description used M−.
Provenance
Acquired through Discogs from seller jtaylor80000 on 23 August 2025.
Sources
- Geoff Barton interviews Ozzy Osbourne, The story of Black Sabbath in the 70s. Metal Hammer / Louder, 6 November 2017. Osbourne’s account of the first single and the band’s early direction.
- Deborah Frost, Black Sabbath, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction essay. 2006. January 1970 single and subsequent debut album.
- Discogs, Black Sabbath — Evil Woman, release 3680382. UK Fontana promotional edition, production credits and sales history.
Catalogue text reviewed 13 September 2026.