"Geezer Butler reflects on the volatile yet enduring friendship with his Black Sabbath bandmate Ozzy Osbourne, sharing that despite their last communication in 2017, he always knew Ozzy would support him if called upon"
Black Sabbath's Early Beginnings: From Blues to Heavy Metal
Before they became the pioneers of heavy metal, the band Black Sabbath started out as Earth, focusing on blues music. Their early rehearsals, held at a local community center in Aston, Birmingham, primarily consisted of covers inspired by artists like Cream and John Mayall[1]. These sessions took place from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, emulating the many blues bands of the time[2].
As they gained some traction, performing at venues like Henry’s Blueshouse in Birmingham, the band recognized the need to write original material to secure a record deal[1]. It was during this period that they started collaborating with Norman Haines, recording demos of his songs[1].
Their sound and style gradually evolved away from blues, moving towards a heavier, doomier music that would eventually lead to the name "Black Sabbath." This moniker was suggested by Tony Iommi, inspired by a horror film[3].
A Last Reunion: Black Sabbath's Final Gig
Fast forward to 2025, and the original Black Sabbath lineup, including Geezer Butler and Ozzy Osbourne, regrouped for one last performance in Birmingham, titled "Back to the Beginning." This historic event marked the end of their career, with Ozzy sitting on a "throne" during the performance[2]. The night was made even more memorable as Geezer presented Ozzy with a cake[2].
Ozzy Osbourne's Iconic Vocals
Throughout Black Sabbath's career, Ozzy Osbourne's vocals played a crucial role. From the doom and venom in "War Pigs" and "Hand of Doom," the soaring vocals in "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" and "The Writ," to the heartfelt softness in "Changes," Ozzy's contributions were instrumental in shaping the band's unique sound[4].
The Formation of Black Sabbath
The formation of Black Sabbath can be traced back to 1968, when Geezer Butler and Ozzy Osbourne first joined forces. Butler, who wrote the lyrics for most of the songs, had a strong influence on the band's sound[5]. He even wanted to name the band Black Sabbath after the Boris Karloff horror film[6].
The End of an Era
Black Sabbath's final tour, The End tour, concluded in 2017. Despite this, Geezer Butler considered the reunion of the original lineup in the '90s to be important for the band's legacy[7].
Tragically, Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22[8]. His contributions to Black Sabbath, both as a vocalist and a lyricist, will forever be remembered.
[1] Rock's Backpages [2] Rolling Stone [3] Louder Sound [4] Classic Rock [5] Ultimate Classic Rock [6] Metal Hammer [7] Blabbermouth [8] Billboard
- Black Sabbath, during their early days as Earth, started experimenting with a heavier sound in the community center rehearsals, using guitar techniques different from the blues music they initially focused on.
- At a local music store, Tony Iommi was spotted trying out an amp with a reconditioned bass guitar, searching for the right equipment to enhance the new, heavier sound he was developing for the band.
- Often, celebrities and music enthusiasts would gather to watch Black Sabbath rehearse, intrigued by the unique entertainment their music provided compared to the traditional blues bands of the time.
- As the band continued to grow and evolve, they began to focus on their original music creations, rather than simply replicating covers—genuine material that would eventually secure them a record deal and solidify their place in music history.
