|
Black Sabbath is easily the most influential band in heavy metal, helping to define and set the benchmark for the entire genre. Formed in the late 1960s in England, Black Sabbath was initially started as a blues band that wanted to emanate a heavier, rock sound. Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward and Ozzy Osbourne rolled out a few tunes while playing under the name Earth. The band suffered a brief break up when guitarist Iommi left for a brief stint with Jethro Tull. In a month’s time Iommi left Tull and rejoined Earth, bringing with him a new work ethic. 1969 saw the group grab their current name when, after being confused with another local band named Earth; they pulled their title from the “Black Sabbath” horror film by Boris Karloff that was conveniently playing at a theater across from the band’s practice space. Mulling over the concept that people will pay to be scared, the band took a new direction and pulled their first single from a darker place inspired by occult writer and called it “Black Sabbath.”
After being signed to a record label in 1969 and releasing a few singles that didn’t quite make it, Sabbath took to the studio for a mere two days to push out their self-titled first album. The album charted immediately and despite spotty reviews from critics, was certified Platinum in both the US and the UK. Within months the band was back in the studio hammering out their sophomore album “Paranoid.” While lambasted by critics, the album achieved greatness in the charts and went on to define the hard sound and style that is the basis for heavy metal as we know it today. Black Sabbath went on to release “Master of Reality” which grabbed Gold status within months of release. Nonstop touring and sold out shows that presented a great demand for Black Sabbath tickets left the band exhausted. Breaking from the scene they returned to the studio in Los Angeles to churn out “Volume 4” in 1972, which also garnered Gold almost immediately. After the 1974 release of their next album, Sabbath set out on tour with Deep Purple, Earth, Wind & Fire and a few other bands.
Sabbath continued to climb the ranks of musical success until Osbourne quite the band in 1977. While he quickly rejoined less than a year later, the band never quite had the same success that had driven them in their earlier era. Drugs and booze plagued members of the band and over the next decade members rotated in and out including the arrival of Ronnie James Dio to replace Osbourne. At one time Whitesnake vocalist David Coverdale was even asked to join the rotating cast of members, though he declined. Not until 1989, with the release of “Headless Cross,” did Black Sabbath achieve post-Ozzy success. After several tumultuous album releases, tours and internal strain, Osbourne rejoined the band again in 1997 for a reunion to headline Ozzfest. Since the initial 1997 reunion of Black Sabbath, the band has played together on and off sharing the stage with other heavy metal greats like Metallica, Anthrax and Pantera. While solo projects keep going on all fronts, a more mature and evolved Black Sabbath continue to rock audiences live with their signature ominous lyrics, dark music and the use of the musical tritone.
Experience the legend that is Black Sabbath live in concert and take away piece of music history. A great performance every time, the reviews from concertgoers shout “amazing,” “still rocking” and declare that Black Sabbath is an amazing live concert event not to be missed! Grab your opportunity to experience the hard rocking, gritty sound of the legend when you buy your Black Sabbath concert tickets today!
|
