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Black Sabbath

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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Geezer Butler

1997

Synthesizer

Bass guitar

Ozzy Osbourne

1997

Lead vocals

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Bev Bevan

1983
1984

Percussion

Drums (drum set)

Bev Bevan

1987
1987

Percussion

Drums (drum set)

Bill Ward

1968
1969

Background vocals

Drums (drum set)

Bill Ward

1969
1980

Background vocals

Drums (drum set)

Bill Ward

1982
1985

Drums (drum set)

Percussion

Background vocals

Bill Ward

1997
2012

Drums (drum set)

Percussion

Background vocals

Bob Daisley

1986
1986

Bass guitar

Bob Rondinelli

1993
1996

Drums (drum set)

Cozy Powell

1989
1991

Drums (drum set)

Cozy Powell

1993
1995

Drums (drum set)

Dave Walker

1977
1978

Lead vocals

David Donato

1984
1985

Lead vocals

David Spitz

1985
1987

Bass guitar

Eric Singer

1985
1987

Drums (drum set)

Geezer Butler

1968
1969

Bass guitar

Geezer Butler

1969
1979

Bass guitar

Geezer Butler

1990
1994

Synthesizer

Bass guitar

Geoff Nicholls

1979
2004

Keyboard

Glenn Hughes

1985
1986

Lead vocals

Ian Gillan

1982
1984

Lead vocals

Jo Burt

1987
1988

Bass guitar

Mike Bordin

1997
1997

Drums (drum set)

Neil Murray

1989
1991

Bass guitar

Neil Murray

1994
1995

Bass guitar

Ozzy Osbourne

1968
1969

Harmonica

Lead vocals

Ozzy Osbourne

1969
1977

Harmonica

Lead vocals

Ray Gillen

1986
1987

Lead vocals

Ron Keel

1984
1984

Lead vocals

Ronnie James Dio

1979
1982

Lead vocals

Ronnie James Dio

1991
1992

Lead vocals

Terry Chimes

1987
1988

Membranophone

Tony Iommi

1968
1969

Guitar

Tony Iommi

1969
2006

Guitar

Tony Iommi

2011
2017

Guitar

Tony Martin

1987
1990

Lead vocals

Tony Martin

1993
1996

Lead vocals

Vinny Appice

1980
1982

Drums (drum set)

Vinny Appice

1991
1993

Drums (drum set)

Vinny Appice

1998
1998

Drums (drum set)

Vinny Appice

2007
2007

Drums (drum set)

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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