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Band Timeline
1968
Formation of Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath was formed in Birmingham, England in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler, and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. Originally named the Polka Tulk Blues Band and then Earth, they changed their name to Black Sabbath in 1969. The band's early sound was characterized by heavy, down-tuned guitars and dark, occult-themed lyrics, setting the foundation for what would become the heavy metal genre.
1970
Release of Debut Albums and Pioneering Heavy Metal
In 1970, Black Sabbath released their first two albums, 'Black Sabbath' and 'Paranoid.' Both albums were commercially successful and are now considered pioneering works in the development of heavy metal music. The dark themes and heavy instrumentation distinguished Black Sabbath from other rock bands of the era and influenced countless future metal artists, establishing them as heavy metal pioneers in music history.
1971-1978
Exploration of Experimental Styles and Continued Success
Between 1971 and 1978, Black Sabbath released a series of influential albums including 'Master of Reality' (1971), 'Vol. 4' (1972), 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath' (1973), 'Sabotage' (1975), 'Technical Ecstasy' (1976), and 'Never Say Die!' (1978). These albums saw the band exploring more experimental and progressive rock styles while maintaining their heavy metal roots. This period solidified their status as major innovators and key figures in rock and metal music.
1979-1983
Lineup Changes and New Vocalists
Ozzy Osbourne was fired from the band in 1979 and replaced by Ronnie James Dio, former vocalist of Rainbow. This lineup recorded three significant albums: 'Heaven and Hell' (1980), 'Mob Rules' (1981), and the live album 'Live Evil' (1983). During this period, drummer Bill Ward was replaced by Vinny Appice. Following the departures of Dio and Appice, the band recorded 'Born Again' (1983) with original drummer Ward returning and Ian Gillan, formerly of Deep Purple, taking on vocal duties. These changes marked a period of experimentation and varied styles.
1984-1991
Personnel Changes and Continued Releases
Throughout the mid to late 1980s, Black Sabbath experienced numerous lineup changes, particularly concerning vocalists and bassists. Vocalists Glenn Hughes and Tony Martin joined, with Martin having the longest tenure during this era. Martin recorded several albums including 'The Eternal Idol' (1987), 'Headless Cross' (1989), and 'Tyr' (1990). The band also navigated through shifts in the music industry while maintaining their heavy metal legacy during this time.
1992-1995
Reunion with Dio and Later Albums
In 1992, Tony Iommi reunited with Geezer Butler, Ronnie James Dio, and Vinny Appice to record the 'Dehumanizer' album. However, Dio and Appice left again by the end of that year. Tony Martin returned to record two studio albums, 'Cross Purposes' (1994) and 'Forbidden' (1995), as well as the live album 'Cross Purposes Live' (1995). After this period, the band went on a one-year hiatus.
1997-2005
Original Lineup Reunion and Sporadic Touring
The original Black Sabbath lineup of Iommi, Osbourne, Butler, and Ward reunited in 1997 and released a live album, 'Reunion,' in 1998. The band toured sporadically during this period, re-establishing their chemistry and delighting fans. This era celebrated the band's legacy and solidified their impact on heavy metal and rock music before going on hiatus in 2006.
2006-2010
Mob Rules Lineup Reunion as Heaven & Hell and Dio's Death
In 2006, the 'Mob Rules' lineup of Iommi, Butler, Dio, and Appice reunited under the name Heaven & Hell. They toured extensively during the late 2000s and released the album 'The Devil You Know' in 2009. This reunion concluded with the disbandment of Heaven & Hell following Ronnie James Dio's death in 2010, marking the end of a significant chapter in Black Sabbath's extended history.
2011-2017
Final Reunion and Farewell Tour
The original lineup reunited once again in 2011, though drummer Bill Ward departed before the recording of their final studio album '13' in 2013. Black Sabbath embarked on a farewell tour, culminating in their last concert for eight years in their hometown of Birmingham in 2017. This marked the closing of the band's career as a performing group, celebrating their monumental influence on heavy metal music worldwide.
2022-2025
Occasional Reunions and Final Performance
Following their farewell, Black Sabbath had occasional partial reunions, most notably with Ozzy Osbourne and Tony Iommi performing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games closing ceremony in Birmingham. The original lineup reunited for a final show titled 'Back to the Beginning' at Villa Park on 5 July 2025. This concert was the last for both the band and Osbourne as a solo artist, with Osbourne passing away seventeen days afterward, marking an end of an era for Black Sabbath and heavy metal history.
Albums
Black Sabbath
7 tracks
1970
Paranoid
8 tracks
1970
Master of Reality
8 tracks
1971
Vol 4
10 tracks
1972
Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
8 tracks
1973
Sabotage
8 tracks
1975
Technical Ecstasy
8 tracks
1976
Never Say Die!
9 tracks
1978
Heaven and Hell
8 tracks
1980
Mob Rules
9 tracks
1981
Born Again
9 tracks
1983
Seventh Star
9 tracks
1986
The Eternal Idol
9 tracks
1987
Headless Cross
9 tracks
1989
TYR
9 tracks
1990
Dehumanizer
10 tracks
1992
Cross Purposes
10 tracks
1994
Forbidden
10 tracks
1995
📷
No Image
13
8 tracks
2013
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Ozzy Osbourne
1997
Lead vocals
Geezer Butler
1997
Bass guitar
Synthesizer
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Ron Keel
1984
1984
Lead vocals
Ronnie James Dio
1979
1982
Lead vocals
David Donato
1984
1985
Lead vocals
Geoff Nicholls
1979
2004
Keyboard
Tony Iommi
2011
2017
Guitar
Neil Murray
1989
1991
Bass guitar
Bill Ward
1968
1969
Background vocals
Bill Ward
1969
1980
Drums (drum set)
Background vocals
Vinny Appice
1998
1998
Drums (drum set)
Bev Bevan
1983
1984
Drums (drum set)
Percussion
Vinny Appice
1991
1993
Drums (drum set)
Vinny Appice
1980
1982
Drums (drum set)
Tony Iommi
1968
1969
Guitar
Neil Murray
1994
1995
Bass guitar
Ronnie James Dio
1991
1992
Lead vocals
Bill Ward
1968
1969
Drums (drum set)
Cozy Powell
1989
1991
Drums (drum set)
Ozzy Osbourne
1969
1977
Lead vocals
Ozzy Osbourne
1968
1969
Lead vocals
Ozzy Osbourne
1969
1977
Harmonica
Bill Ward
1997
2012
Percussion
Background vocals
Drums (drum set)
Tony Martin
1993
1996
Lead vocals
Mike Bordin
1997
1997
Drums (drum set)
David Spitz
1985
1987
Bass guitar
Bill Ward
1982
1985
Percussion
Background vocals
Drums (drum set)
Geezer Butler
1990
1994
Bass guitar
Synthesizer
Dave Walker
1977
1978
Lead vocals
Bob Rondinelli
1993
1996
Drums (drum set)
Terry Chimes
1987
1988
Membranophone
Bob Daisley
1986
1986
Bass guitar
Glenn Hughes
1985
1986
Lead vocals
Geezer Butler
1969
1979
Bass guitar
Ozzy Osbourne
1968
1969
Harmonica
Vinny Appice
2007
2007
Drums (drum set)
Geezer Butler
1968
1969
Bass guitar
Cozy Powell
1993
1995
Drums (drum set)
Ian Gillan
1982
1984
Lead vocals
Jo Burt
1987
1988
Bass guitar
Eric Singer
1985
1987
Eric Singer
1985
1987
Drums (drum set)
Tony Martin
1987
1990
Lead vocals
Bev Bevan
1987
1987
Drums (drum set)
Percussion
Ray Gillen
1986
1987
Lead vocals
Tony Iommi
1969
2006
Guitar
Story of Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath: The Unholy Pioneers of Heavy Metal
Black Sabbath, the legendary English rock band, emerged from the heart of Birmingham in 1968. Formed by the formidable quartet of guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler, and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, they are widely regarded as the progenitors of heavy metal music.
Their first three albums, Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970), and Master of Reality (1971), laid the groundwork for the genre, showcasing their signature sound of dark, heavy riffs, ominous lyrics, and a haunting atmosphere. This sound, often fueled by occult themes and horror-inspired lyrics, was further enhanced by Iommi's innovative use of down-tuned guitars, creating a sonic landscape both terrifying and compelling.
The band's journey was marked by numerous lineup changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979, with Iommi remaining the sole constant member. Before settling on the name Black Sabbath in 1969, the band experimented with other monikers, including Polka Tulk Blues Band and Earth.
Their journey began with their signing to Philips Records in November 1969, followed by their first single, a cover of "Evil Woman" by Crow, released in January 1970. Their self-titled debut album, Black Sabbath, followed closely, in February 1970. Although initially met with critical indifference, the album found commercial success, paving the way for the iconic Paranoid, released later that year.
The band's popularity steadily grew, culminating in critical acclaim for Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973). This album, along with its predecessor Vol. 4 (1972), showcased a more mature and introspective side of Black Sabbath, cementing their status as pioneers of heavy metal and a major force in the evolution of rock music.
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