Revised April 23rd, 2005
ROIO's are "recordings of illegitimate origin". Most often, people refer to unreleased live or studio recordings as "bootlegs", which isn't always completely accurate. I first saw the term 'ROIO' used in the Pink Floyd trading community and rather liked it. The problem with using the "bootleg" label is that it implies that these recordings were obtained or distributed illegally. While in some cases this may be true, the recordings in and of themselves are not illegal to own and listen to. (Just don't sell copies on E-bay!!)
I think it's important not to perpetuate the stigma that goes along with the word 'bootleg', since we're talking about historical recordings, not contraband! ROIO's are rare and important historical snapshots of the band performing live and in the studio, most of which will never see any sort of official release. And since it is impossible and unlikely for the band to release all of these shows, it is necessary for tape traders to bridge this gap AND perpetuate their legacy. If not for tape traders, most of these recordings would remain scarce and largely unheard. And without multiple copies floating around, these tapes would also be much closer to extinction!
With that said, I DO NOT support the "for profit" sale of any ROIO and I would strongly discourage anyone from purchasing them from any profiteer who feels it is okay to make money off the band's name. In doing this, they are also jeopardizing the free trade of ROIO's by converting them into BOOTLEGS. Also, I think you're sort of an idiot if you pay someone $30 per disc just for cover art! If you want one of these shows, set up a trade for a CD-R clone and print the cover art from here. But PLEASE purchase the official albums from the record store and keep that money in the band's pocket whenever possible!
Some people have asked how the band feel about tape trading. In general, the members of Black Sabbath have not openly objected to this practice. It is probably obvious to them that most of the guys collecting their live shows also purchase all of the official releases. However, there have been some voiced concerns about the distribution of unreleased studio recordings and demos. Many of these tapes were either stolen or copied without their authorization. Understandably, this places them in a sort of uneasy truce with tape trading. For this reason, please support the band by purchasing their authorized works (if you don't already have them all) and DON'T sell ROIO's!
What if Sabbath decided to issue the Asbury Park '75 show officially? Will you still buy it, even though you own a good bootleg copy? THAT is my point. Black Sabbath deserves to make money off of these shows before anyone else....so why don't they??
Here are some different trading related resources that I hope you find useful!
SABBATH TRADING REGISTRY: If you are looking for other like-minded individuals to trade Black Sabbath related ROIO's, then this is the place for you! Many of the traders on this list specialize in Black Sabbath material. When you find someone to e-mail for a trade, be sure to tell them who sent you! If you'd simply like to sign up, mail me!
Another reason for starting the trading registry is the fact that I am too often offered trades. While I do enjoy my share of exchanging discs, it's simply not possible for me to trade with everyone. It's hard enough finding time to work on the site! But the best thing about this registry is the fact that it has brought so many people together who love Sabbath's music!
TONY IOMMI - KNOWN AUDIOS: Thierry Bauwens (who is a French Sabbath sage) encouraged me to start separating Tony's solo work from the main timeline, since the lines were getting a little blurry there. This list includes all of Tony's commercially released albums, as well as session work and cameo appearances he has made through the years. While I'd like to make these sort of lists for the other Sabbath members, the proposition of doing an Ozzy list is quite frightening to me right now! Sabbath has been more than enough for me to keep up with!
TONY IOMMI - KNOWN VIDEOS: Like the list above, this covers all of Tony's known appearances on video, outside of Black Sabbath.
WRITE A ROIO REVIEW FOR SABBATHLIVE!: If you collect live recordings of Black Sabbath and enjoy telling other collectors about them, then here is your chance! Be a part of this mammoth work in progress. Any reviews will be considered, so please don't feel these are 'rules' in writing your reviews, just suggestions.
[Please note that I am no longer posting the entire Known Audios and Videos lists for Sabbath in their extended form. You can still find all of this information by viewing the 'Audios' and 'Videos' links within each respective era in the Timelines.]