Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath were an English heavy metal band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler, and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. Widely credited as pioneers of heavy metal, the band became famous for their dark sound, occult-inspired lyrics, and heavy riffs. Their early albums, including Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970), and Master of Reality (1971), are regarded as landmarks in the history of the genre.

Over their career, Black Sabbath sold more than 70 million records worldwide, making them one of the most successful metal acts of all time. They influenced generations of musicians across metal, grunge, stoner rock, doom metal, and alternative rock, and are often ranked alongside Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple as part of the “unholy trinity” of 1970s British hard rock.

History

Formation and breakthrough (1968–1971)

Originally named the Polka Tulk Blues Band and later Earth, the group changed their name to Black Sabbath after being inspired by a horror film of the same title. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1970, followed the same year by Paranoid, which included iconic tracks such as Iron Man, War Pigs, and the title track Paranoid. These releases defined the blueprint for heavy metal music.

Rising fame and experimentation (1972–1978)

The band expanded their sound with Vol. 4 (1972), Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973), and Sabotage (1975). While experimenting with progressive and orchestral elements, they retained their heavy signature style. However, by the late 1970s, personal tensions and drug use strained the group. After Never Say Die! (1978), Ozzy Osbourne was dismissed from the band.

Dio era and 1980s shifts (1979–1992)

Osbourne’s replacement was Ronnie James Dio, formerly of Rainbow, who revitalized the band with Heaven and Hell (1980) and Mob Rules (1981). These albums brought new critical and commercial success, though lineup changes continued. The band released Born Again (1983) with Ian Gillan and later worked with Tony Martin on The Eternal Idol (1987), Headless Cross (1989), and Tyr (1990).

Reunions and final years (1997–2025)

The original lineup reunited in 1997, releasing the live album Reunion. Their final studio album, 13 (2013), produced by Rick Rubin, topped charts worldwide. After a farewell tour titled The End (2016–2017), Black Sabbath disbanded. In 2025, they reunited one last time for a charity concert in Birmingham, Back to the Beginning, which served as Ozzy Osbourne’s final performance. Seventeen days later, Osbourne passed away, marking the end of the band’s history.

Musical Style and Legacy

Black Sabbath’s music was defined by Tony Iommi’s down-tuned guitar riffs, Geezer Butler’s dark lyrics, Ozzy Osbourne’s haunting vocals, and Bill Ward’s thunderous drumming. Their innovative use of the tritone (“the devil’s interval”) created an ominous sound that stood in stark contrast to the hippie and psychedelic music of their time.

The band’s influence is vast, inspiring groups such as Metallica, Slayer, Judas Priest, Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pantera. They are credited with shaping multiple heavy metal subgenres, from doom and thrash to sludge and stoner rock.

They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 and received multiple Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. Today, Black Sabbath are celebrated as the architects of heavy metal.