Black Sabbath Discography

Black Sabbath Biography

Black Sabbath are an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler, and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are cited as pioneers of heavy metal music; the band helped define the genre with their first three albums Black Sabbath, Paranoid, and Master of Reality. In the 1980s and 1990s, the band underwent line-up changes, though since 1997 it has settled with the original band. After previous iterations of the group – the Polka Tulk Blues Band, and Earth – the band settled on the name Black Sabbath in 1969. They distinguished themselves through occult themes with horror-inspired lyrics and down-tuned guitars. Signing to Philips Records, they released their first single, a cover of the Crow song "Evil Woman", in January 1970, and their debut album, Black Sabbath, the following month. Though it received negative reviews, it was a commercial success, leading to a follow-up record, Paranoid. The band's popularity grew, and by 1973's Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, critics responded favourably. This album, along with its predecessor Vol. 4 (1972) and successors Sabotage (1975), Technical Ecstasy (1976) and Never Say Die! (1978), saw the band explore more experimental and progressive styles. The line-up remained unchanged until 1977, when Osbourne was briefly replaced by Dave Walker. After rejoining for the recording of Never Say Die! and its album tour, Osbourne was dismissed again in 1979 due to substance abuse. He was replaced by former Rainbow vocalist Ronnie James Dio, who recorded three albums with the band: Heaven and Hell (1980), Mob Rules (1981) and their first authorised live album Live Evil (1983), the last two featuring drummer Vinny Appice replacing Ward. Keyboardist Geoff Nicholls was a major contributor throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Following Dio and Appice's departures, Iommi, Butler and Nicholls recorded Born Again (1983) with Ian Gillan on vocals and Ward returning on drums, while the latter was re...