Black Sabbath is an English rock band of ‘Brummie’ boys formed (in Birmingham) in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler, and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as THE pioneers of heavy metal music and you’ll get very little argument from me on that score!
Black Sabbath Career Highlights
1968 Black Sabbath is formed, initially under the name Earth.
1970 Release their self-titled debut album "Black Sabbath” which is considered one of the first heavy metal albums.
1970 Release their second album "Paranoid” featuring hits like "Iron Man" and "War Pigs."
1971 Release "Master of Reality” solidifying their status as heavy metal innovators.
1972 Release "Vol. 4” showcasing their evolving sound and experimental approach.
1973 Release "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” which receives critical acclaim.
1978 Ozzy Osbourne leaves the band and is replaced by Ronnie James Dio.
1980 Release "Heaven and Hell" with Dio, revitalizing their career.
1983 Dio leaves, and the band goes through several lineup changes over the years.
1997 The original lineup reunites and performs at Ozzfest.
2013 Release "13” their first album with Osbourne since 1978, which tops the charts.
2017 Perform their final concert in Birmingham, marking the end of an era.
Black Sabbath Members
Original four-piece Black Sabbath Members
- Ozzy Osbourne – vocals
- Tony Iommi – guitar
- Geezer Butler – bass
- Bill Ward – drums
Notable Former Black Sabbath Members…
Ronnie James Dio – vocals
Ian Gillan – vocals (later of Deep Purple)
Glenn Hughes – vocals
Tony Martin – vocals
Black Sabbath Grammy Awards
1999 Best Metal Performance for "Iron Man" (live).
2014 Best Metal Performance for "God Is Dead?"
2014 Best Rock Album for "13."
Three Most Famous Black Sabbath Songs
1. "Paranoid” A defining song of the heavy metal genre and one of their biggest hits.
2. "Iron Man” Known for its iconic riff and storytelling lyrics.
3. "War Pigs” A politically charged anthem with powerful lyrics and instrumentation.
Black Sabbath Quotes
Ozzy Osbourne...
Black Sabbath wasn't a band, it was a business."
Tony Iommi...
We were never trying to be a heavy metal band. We just wanted to be a good band."
Black Sabbath Scandal/Gossip/Trivia
- Ozzy Osbourne's Departure: Osbourne was fired in 1979 due to his substance abuse issues, leading to a significant change in the band's lineup.
- Substance Abuse: The band members, particularly Osbourne, were known for their heavy drug and alcohol use, which often led to internal conflicts.
- Satanic Imagery: Black Sabbath's use of dark and occult imagery in their music and album covers led to accusations of promoting Satanism, which they have consistently denied.
- Reunions: Despite numerous lineup changes and periods of inactivity, the original members reunited several times for tours and new music.
- Legacy: Black Sabbath is credited with laying the foundation for heavy metal music, influencing countless bands and artists across various genres.
Black Sabbath's pioneering sound and enduring influence have earned them a legendary status in the world of rock and heavy metal. Their music continues to inspire new generations of fans and musicians, solidifying their place in music history.
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