Don’t miss our list of facts and curiosities you might not have known about Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and influential bands in the history of heavy metal music. Formed in Birmingham, England, in 1968, the band created a unique and powerful sound that blended blues, rock, and occult themes into a potent brew that would inspire generations of musicians to come.
Despite their enormous popularity, there are many lesser-known curiosities and interesting facts about Black Sabbath that even hardcore fans may not be aware of. In this article, we will explore some of the more obscure aspects of the band’s history and legacy.
- The band originally formed as a blues rock band called “Earth” in 1968, but changed their name to Black Sabbath after a chance encounter with a cinema showing a horror film of the same name.
- While guitarist Tony Iommi is known for his heavy, down-tuned riffs, he lost the tips of two of his fingers in an industrial accident at a sheet metal factory when he was 17. He used thimbles to protect the injured fingers, which led to his distinctive playing style.
- The iconic cover art for Black Sabbath’s self-titled debut album was actually a photo of an abandoned factory taken near their recording studio in Birmingham. The eerie and foreboding image perfectly captured the dark and ominous tone of the music inside.
- Despite being credited as the lead vocalist on many of the band’s most famous songs, including “Iron Man” and “Paranoid,” Ozzy Osbourne was not the original choice for the role. In fact, the band initially hired a local singer named Jim Simpson, but he only lasted a few weeks before being replaced by Ozzy.
- Black Sabbath’s classic song “Iron Man” was not originally intended to be a single. The band was surprised when it became a hit and has since become one of their most famous songs.
- The band’s 1975 album “Sabotage” features a song called “Supertzar” that was inspired by a choir that Iommi heard while visiting the Vatican. The song features a recording of a 60-piece choir and is one of the band’s most unique and experimental tracks.
- Bassist Geezer Butler wrote many of the band’s lyrics, which often explored themes of the occult, horror, and social commentary. Butler was heavily influenced by the works of authors such as Aleister Crowley and H.P. Lovecraft, as well as his own experiences growing up in Birmingham.
- The band’s 1978 album “Never Say Die!” marked the departure of Ozzy Osbourne, who was fired from the band due to his increasingly erratic behavior and drug use. He was replaced by Ronnie James Dio, who would go on to record two albums with the band before leaving to pursue a solo career.
- Black Sabbath has undergone numerous lineup changes over the years, with Iommi being the only constant member throughout the band’s history. However, the original lineup of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward is still widely regarded as the definitive version of the band.
- In 2013, the band released their final studio album “13,” which featured the return of Ozzy Osbourne on vocals. The album was well-received by fans and critics alike and marked a fitting end to the band’s storied career.
In conclusion, Black Sabbath’s legacy as one of the greatest and most influential heavy metal bands of all time is secure. However, these lesser-known curiosities and tidbits help to add even more depth and interest to their already fascinating history. From their humble beginnings in Birmingham to their enduring impact on the world of music, Black Sabbath’s story is one that will continue to captivate and inspire fans for generations
