Black Sabbath

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Black Sabbath (formed 1968 - split 2006; reformed 2011)
Black Sabbath are a British heavy metal band famous for the songs 'Iron Man' and 'Paranoid'. Members are Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Ozzy Osbourne.

Formation: Black Sabbath was initially intended to be a blues rock band when it formed with guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, being named various things including Polka Tulk Blues Band, then Polka Tulk, then Earth. The original line-up also featured slide guitarist Jimmy Phillips and saxophonist Alan Clarke. Phillips and Clarke soon left and the rest of the band were managed by Jim Simpson. Iommi briefly left the band to join Jethro Tull, but soon returned to Black Sabbath (or Earth as it was then still called). They soon changed their name to their current moniker, naming themselves after a 1963 horror movie.

Musical career: Black Sabbath signed to Philips Records in 1969, releasing debut single 'Evil Woman' through its subsidiary Fontana Records the following year. Their self-titled debut album soon followed, reaching number 8 in the UK Chart. Their second album, 'Paranoid', was released that same year and featured the single of the same name which became their biggest hit reaching number for in the UK and number 1 in Germany. They followed the release with a US tour during which they became immensely popular in America despite lack of radio airplay. The album's second single was 'Iron Man'. Their third album, 'Master of Reality', dropped the following year and was certified platinum a decade later. They went on tour the following year before finally taking a short break. They reunited soon after for their fourth album 'Black Sabbath Vol. 4', but tensions were high due to Ward's drug abuse during recording. The album was soon certified gold despite critical scepticism. The first single was 'Tomorrow's Dream' and, as well as a US tour, the band hit Australia and Europe to promote the release. Drug abuse affected the band once again when Iommi failed to generate any ideas for the fifth album and so the band returned to the UK where they recorded in a spooky castle in the country. It was here Iommi wrote the riff for 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath' which became the title single for their next release; a highly praised album that became their fifth US platinum record. They toured the world in 1974 before signing up with a new manager, Don Arden. This led to contractual problems which were handled over a two year court case. Their sixth album, 'Sabotage', was released in 1975 and was co-produced by Mike Butcher, though it met cooler reviews than their previous efforts. They soon followed with a greatest hits album entitled 'We Sold Our Soul for Rock 'n' Roll'. Keyboardist Gerry Woodruffe joined the band for seventh release 'Technical Ecstasy', released to mixed reviews in 1976. During this time, Osbourne took treatment at the Stafford County Asylum. Osbourne left Black Sabbath in 1977 and was briefly replaced by Dave Walker before rejoining the following year before they were due to hit the studio. Iommi and the rest of the band were forced to abandon material they'd written with Walker when Osbourne refused to sing it. Recording 'Never Say Die!' took a long time to record due to drug abuse among various band members. The album featured the songs 'Never Say Die' and 'Hard Road' and was soon followed by another tour. Osbourne's drug abuse got progressively worse leading to his dismissal from the band in 1979. Ronnie James Dio replaced Osbourne at the suggestion of Don Arden's daughter Sharon Arden (later Sharon Osbourne). Geezer Butler took a hiatus from the band and was temporarily replaced by Craig Gruber and then Geoff Nicholls. Butler returned with Nicholls moving onto keyboards. They released 'Heaven and Hell' in 1980 which reached number 9 in the UK. They subsequently toured with Blue Öyster Cult and re-released 'Paranoid'. Ward left the band that year, struggling to cope with Osbourne in the band, and was replaced by Vinny Appice. They released next album 'Mob Rules' in 1981, but it received poor reviews from critics. The following year, Iommi and Butler had a dispute with Dio, accusing him of secretly raising the volume of his voice in the recording of live album 'Live Evil'. Dio and Appice left in 1982, with the album being released just two months later at the same time as Osbourne's solo debut 'Speak of the Devil', which became a platinum hit. Ian Gillan replaced Dio and Bill Ward rejoined for their next album 'Born Again', which was slammed by critics. Ward soon left again before the subsequent tour with Bev Bevan joining on drums. Both Bevan and Gillan soon left, and Butler followed having become bored with the constantly changing line-up. In 1985, the original band members briefly united for Live Aid, before the Tony Iommi and his newest line-up unveiled new album 'Seventh Star'. After three more releases, Butler and Dio rejoined for 1992's 'Dehumanizer', but it wasn't long before they left once more. Black Sabbath took a hiatus after 1995's 'Forbidden', but Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Ozzy Osbourn had a brief reunion again for 1997's Ozzfest before coming together for their 2013 album '13'. The track 'God Is Dead?' landed them their first Grammy in 14 years.



Biography by Contactmusic.com

Ozzy Osbourne Accidentally Hosed Down Deaf Fans For Not Dancing


Ozzy Osbourne Black Sabbath

Ozzy Osbourne once hosed down fans during a concert - before realising they weren't moving to the music because they were deaf.

The Black Sabbath rocker revealed the awkward moment as he reflected on 40 years of touring, and admitted that it was an educational moment for him as he was told how music can be enjoyed without being able to hear it.

Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine, he admitted: "There was one night when I saw that a bunch of people were not moving to the rock & roll ­- and if someone's not moving in the audience and not doing anything, I'll do the show just for that person and I'll start throwing buckets of water at these people.

Continue reading: Ozzy Osbourne Accidentally Hosed Down Deaf Fans For Not Dancing

Ozzy Osbourne Says Zakk Wilde Is 'family'


Ozzy Osbourne Black Sabbath

Ozzy Osbourne says Zakk Wilde is like "family" to him as they prepare for one last run on the road.

The iconic rocker has announced his final solo world tour - entitled 'No More Tours 2' - and confirmed the guitarist would be back as part of the live line-up, as he brings his career as a live musician to an end.

Speaking to Loudwire, Ozzy said: "Zakk and I are family. He's been with me longer than any other guitar players. He's great and his playing just blows me away. He's so articulate now."

Continue reading: Ozzy Osbourne Says Zakk Wilde Is 'family'

Ozzy Osbourne's Emotional Gig


Ozzy Osbourne Black Sabbath Tony Iommi

Ozzy Osbourne thought he'd cry during the last Black Sabbath gig.

The legendary rockers played a final homecoming show in Birmingham, England, in February and the 68-year-old frontman was very emotional.

He said: ''It was very emotional. Sharon would be like, 'Say something.' I couldn't speak. Because I thought if I start talking I'll end up in f***ing tears. That's hardly the Prince of Darkness, being seen crying.''

Continue reading: Ozzy Osbourne's Emotional Gig

Rammstein Join Black Sabbath And Iron Maiden As Download 2016 Headliners


Rammstein Black Sabbath Iron Maiden Bruce Dickinson Ozzy Osbourne

German metallers Rammstein have been named as the third and final headlining act for next year’s Download festival. The annual metal festival, which will take place June 10-12, 2016 at Donington Park in Leicestershire, will also be headlined by Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden.

RammsteinRammstein will headline next year’s Download Festival along with Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden.

Rammstein will headline on the Friday night, with Black Sabbath taking top billing on the Saturday. The festival will then be closed by Iron Maiden, making their third headlining appearance, on the Sunday evening.

Continue reading: Rammstein Join Black Sabbath And Iron Maiden As Download 2016 Headliners

Black Sabbath Announce Plans For Their Last Ever Tour


Black Sabbath Ozzy Osbourne Tony Iommi Bill Ward

Heavy metal pioneers Black Sabbath have announced details of what they claim will be their “final tour” early next year.

Billed in the band’s press release as “the final tour from the greatest metal band of all time”, ‘The End’ tour covers a number of North American cities. It kicks off in Omaha, Nebraska on January 20th 2016 and ends on February 25th at New York’s Madison Square Garden, having taken in 17 dates on the way. There will then be seven dates in Australia and New Zealand running from April 15th-30th.

Black SabbathBlack Sabbath: Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler (l-r)

Continue reading: Black Sabbath Announce Plans For Their Last Ever Tour

Ozzy Osbourne Reveals Plans For New Black Sabbath Album And Final Tour


Ozzy Osbourne Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne has revealed the band plan to record another album together before embarking on a final tour.

black sabbathBlack Sabbath have one more album and a tour in the pipeline

Speaking to Metal Hammer, Osbourne said the band will be working with producer Rick Rubin again to record the follow up to 2013’s hugely successful 13 album.

Continue reading: Ozzy Osbourne Reveals Plans For New Black Sabbath Album And Final Tour

Head To Europe This Year For The Best Summer Festival Experiences!


Pukkelpop Festival Tomorrowland The Garden Festival Roskilde La Route Du Rock Rock Am Ring Melt! Festival Sziget Pinkpop Festival Open'er Festival Off Festival Exit Festival Primavera Sound Festival Benicassim Festival Sonar Festival Ibiza Rocks Rolling Stones Arcade Fire ASAP Rocky Arctic Monkeys Prodigy Lana Del Rey Black Sabbath Slayer Iron Maiden Nine Inch Nails East India Youth Metallica Flaming Lips Elbow The Pixies The Libertines Haim Alice Cooper

We've been seriously pushing US and UK music festivals this year but, it has to be said, there's nowhere quite like Europe.

The continent is home to some of the most unique music events in the world and, looking at what's on offer this year, it seems that the festival season is the best time to experience cultural diversity to the nth degree. Whether its sun or snow you're after, rock or dance music, indoor or outdoor, Europe has it all and with the summer quickly approaching, it's time to get on a plane and take the best vacation of your lives as we guide you to the most exciting countries you can hope to visit this year.

The best of BelgiumBelgium
- Pukkelpop (August 14th - 16th): This Belgian weekend remains seriously cool having first began in 1985 and always playing host to some of the world's best alternative music with early performers including Ramones, The Jesus And Mary Chain and Iggy Pop. Nearly 30 years on, Pukkelpop maintains its excellence with 2014 seeing the likes of Clean Bandit, Gogol Bordello and Die Antwoord on the bill.
- Tomorrowland (July 18th - 20th and July 25th - 27th): If you want to feel like you've entered a fantasy world for a weekend (or two), Tomorrowland is definitely for you. Taking place in the town of Boom, you'll be rocking out against a backdrop of incredible art installations of gargantuan proportions - it really isn't a sight to be missed.

Continue reading: Head To Europe This Year For The Best Summer Festival Experiences!

Ume To Support Black Sabbath Us Tour With Circa Survive - New Album 'Monuments' June 9th 2014 Plus More Uk Dates Soon

Posted on19 May 2014

Ume To Support Black Sabbath Us Tour With Circa Survive - New Album 'Monuments' June 9th 2014 Plus More UK Dates Soon

Tom Jones To Headline An Eclectic Hyde Park Roster


Tom Jones Little Mix Black Sabbath British Summer Time Festival

Over two weekends in July, London’s Hyde Park adopts the veneer of festival season, attracting some of the world’s biggest acts to play in front of a sun-drenched crowd, weather permitting. This year’s proceedings will be headlines by legendary singer, Tom Jones, who called the park “a beautiful place,” in a statement.

Tom JonesTom Jones is clearly very excited to be headlining Hyde Park

"I love playing in Hyde Park, it's such a beautiful place and so many of the greats have played there," explained Jones, who recently reignited his popularity with a judging role on the BBC singing show, The Voice. "There is a real sense of musical history and a fantastic atmosphere that comes with playing in the middle of a great London park on a wonderful summer evening."

Continue reading: Tom Jones To Headline An Eclectic Hyde Park Roster

Keep Calm And Party On! London's Ten Most Exciting Festivals For 2014


Field Day LoveBox The Pixies Metronomy Neutral Milk Hotel James Blake Camden Crawl Atari Teenage Riot Ghetts Chase and Status Mia Wireless Festival Kanye West Drake The Subways Somerset House Kodaline Calling Festival Aerosmith McBusted Black Sabbath Eagulls Polica LeeFest The Great Escape

If you want a unique festival experience this year, London could be the place for you. Featuring a diverse range of events from the independent ethics of Jabberwocky to the mainstream attitude of Wireless, 2014 is not all about the States.

The UK is home to some incredible, highly respected music festivals such as Isle of Wight Festival, Leeds and Reading Festival and, of course, Glastonbury - but just what do we have in store from the nation's capital? London is unquestionably the UK's most vibrant city and, when it comes to music, there's really no denying that. The rest of the world may have SXSW, Coachella, Ultra and Exit (to name but a very small few), but London has a plethora of unique local events with line-ups and atmospheres that really prove their worth - and we're here to share them with you.

Jabberwocky 2014 logoJabberwocky (August 15th-16th)
All Tomorrow's Parties present this brand new festival for 2014, co-hosted by Pitchfork and Primavera Sound and set to take place at The Excel Centre this August. For its inaugural event, Jabberwocky will see headline acts from Neutral Milk Hotel, James Blake, Darkside and Caribou, not to mention support from Kurt Vile & The Violators, Hookworms and Electric Wizard. Like many of the best festivals, it's not all about the music as Jabberwocky will be hosting some film events and, as the name suggests, there'll be plenty of art to enjoy too. Tickets are priced at £38.50 per day.

Continue reading: Keep Calm And Party On! London's Ten Most Exciting Festivals For 2014

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