Archive for Black Sabbath

OZZY OSBOURNE – Rest In Peace

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , on July 22, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

1948 – 2025

Rest in peace,

Godfather of Metal.

You will be forever missed.

Condolences to the Osbourne family, his friends, Black Sabbath and his fans.

BLACK SABBATH “Paranoid” CD Single From 2004

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , , on June 19, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

I bought this CD single of Black Sabbaths’ Paranoid” with the B side of “Iron Man” back around 2007. If I remember correctly, I found this little metal gem at Best Buy. The CD tray slides out from the cardboard jacket.

I can’t find the actual release date for this CD single, yet it was released to promote Black Box: The Complete Black Sabbath 1970-1978; which was released back on April 27, 2004, via Warner Bros./Rhino.

Black Sabbaths’ Paranoid studio album was originally released in Europe on Sept. 18, 1970 and includes both “Paranoid” and “Iron Man”.

Black Sabbath: Tony Iommi (guitar), Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Geezer Butler (bass), Bill Ward (drums)

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my Black Sabbath CD single! Stay safe out there and Metal be thy name. – Stone

BLACK SABBATH Born Again World Tour 1983/1984 – Check Out My Tour Book!

Posted in classic rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on April 30, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

Above: front cover

Some years ago, my Best Metal Buddy Scott Coverdale gifted me this fabulous Black Sabbath Born Again tour book. I thank him to this day!

The Black Sabbath Born Again World Tour began on August 7, 1983 and ended on March 4, 1984. The new lead vocalist for this Black Sabbath era was Ian Gillan of Deep Purple fame. Ian Gillan sang on the 1983 Born Again album as well. Of course, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler are on this tour. Geoff Nichols played keyboards on this tour.

Above: back cover

The one other band lineup change for this tour was the addition of Bev Bevan as drummer; famous for his tenure with Electric Light Orchestra. However, Bill Ward was the drummer on the Born Again album.

Above: inside back cover

Back in 1983, I was a junior in high school and very much a fan of both the Ozzy Osbourne and Ronnie James Dio eras of Black Sabbath. I did not have the opportunity to see Black Sabbath on this tour and I would’ve loved to. Can’t see them all; yet it still sucks to miss that tour. Born Again has always been a favorite metal album of mine my entire life. I believe it’s a classic.

Above: tour credits page

I just really dig the dark and sinister vibes from the songs and it’s heavy as hell! My top 3 songs from Born Again are “Trashed,” Disturbing The Priest” and “Zero The Hero.” Yes, I’ve loved the album artwork since I first saw it. It’s f’n Metal, after all.

I didn’t show band photos from this tour book due to any potential copyright issues. Thank you for checking out my tour book and visiting! Stay safe and Metal be thy name. – Stone

Black Sabbath Announce ‘Back To The Beginning’

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on February 5, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

From Ozzy Osbourne Facebook:

Icons of Metal come together to celebrate
Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Performance
July 5th at Villa Park

All Profits From The Show Will Be SHARED EQUALLY BETWEEN Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorn Children’s Hospice

The original Black Sabbath – Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward – will play for the first time in 20 years. The band will take to the stage to headline BACK TO THE BEGINNING on July 5th at Villa Park.

The all-star event will celebrate the true creators of heavy metal and will see Ozzy Osbourne play his own short set before joining with Black Sabbath for his final bow.

“It’s my time to go Back to the Beginning… time for me to give back to the place where I was born,” Ozzy Osbourne said. “How blessed am I to do it with the help of people whom I love. Birmingham is the true home of metal. Birmingham Forever.”

Formed in Birmingham in 1968 and going on to become one of most successful metal bands of all time, Black Sabbath have sold over 75 million albums worldwide across their legendary career. Setting the blueprint for the many routes heavy metal took, Black Sabbath’s influence and importance is as vital today as it was in the early 1970s.

Music Director Tom Morello said: “This will be the greatest heavy metal show ever.”

BACK TO THE BEGINNING will feature sets from Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax and Mastodon

The all-day event will also feature a supergroup of musicians. Artists announced so far include Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins), David Draiman (Disturbed), Duff McKagan & Slash (Guns ‘n Roses), Frank Bello (Anthrax), Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit), Jake E Lee, Jonathan Davis (Korn), KK Downing, Lzzy Hale (Halestorm), Mike Bordin (Faith No More), Rudy Sarzo, Sammy Hagar, Scott Ian (Anthrax), Sleep Token ii (Sleep Token), Papa V Perpetua (Ghost), Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine), Wolfgang Van Halen and Zakk Wylde.

More names will be announced shortly.

Tickets go on sale at 10am GMT on Friday 14th February 2025 at LiveNation.co.uk.

All profits will go to the following charities: Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorns Children’s Hospice, a Children’s Hospice supported by Aston Villa.

LONG LIVE BLACK SABBATH.

Check Out My BLACK SABBATH “Paranoid” 8-Track Cartridge!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , , on December 26, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

I picked up this 8-track cartridge of Black Sabbath ‘Paranoid’ (top photo) for 25 cents at a thrift store a week or so ago. The tape is intact. I love this band and embrace the nostalgia of such an old-time music medium. The ‘Paranoid’ album was released back in 1970. Dig it, my brothers and sisters. 👊🏻

Above: backside showing track-listing

True To Metal Part One – ‘Blizzard Of Ozz’ And ‘Mob Rules’

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on June 15, 2023 by Metal Odyssey

Back in 1981, I was a freshman in high school. My buddy Scott introduced me to the albums Blizzard Of Ozz and Mob Rules. Seriously, my life changed forever. For those that never lived this era, the feeling and vibe of these albums being newly released was nothing short of ecstasy.

I worry that younger generations of Metalheads will never fully understand the full magnitude of Blizzard O Ozz and Mobb Rules on the Metal spectrum back in 1981. Yes, Ozzy Osbourne is a mainstream figure today. Yes, Randy Rhoads will forever be an iconic Metal guitarist. What I want to scream out loud for the universe to here is that the rhythm section of Blizzard Of Ozz was a once in a lifetime duo of Bob Daisley on bass and the late Lee Kerslake on drums.

Bob Daisley wrote the songs AND lyrics for Blizzard Of Ozz. No debate. Fact. Please, just do the research to know the truth. Regardless, Ozzy was the singer that was so unique for its time and is still to this day. I believe each member of Blizzard Of Ozz were honestly dependent on each other; they were a group that will never again be matched. They’re vibe as a cohesive group is to be emulated. Forever.

Now, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward countered with Mob Rules. With Ronnie James Dio recruited as the new lead singer of Black Sabbath, the evolution of Metal will forever be changed for the better, in my Metal opinion. Now, the Black Sabbath album Heaven And Hell was already released a year earlier and set the bar for the new era of Metal. Regardless, Mob Rules solidified the impact that this new era of Black Sabbath was about.

My main objective with this post is to remind seasoned Metalheads and/or let the younger generations of Metalheads that 1981 was a pulsar of Metal history due to Blizzard Of Ozz and Black Sabbath. These albums have stood the test of time. Heck, these albums are better than most Metal albums released since then.

Metal Be Thy Name. Stone.

On This Day In BLACK SABBATH History – July 23rd

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , , on July 23, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

On July 23, 1980 – BLACK SABBATH performed at Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura, California. This was during the Heaven And Hell Tour and band members were: Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward.

On July 23, 2005 – BLACK SABBATH performed at Ozzfest at Post-Gazette Pavilion in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, The set list below:

  1. N.I.B.
  2. After Forever
  3. War Pigs
  4. Dirty Women
  5. Fairies Wear Boots
  6. Symptom of the Universe / Sweet Leaf / Electric Funeral
  7. Iron Man
  8. Into the Void
  9. Black Sabbath
  10. The Wizard
  11. Paranoid

BLACK SABBATH FOREVER.

On This Day In BLACK SABBATH History – July 7th

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on July 7, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

On July 7, 1995 – BLACK SABBATH performed at World Music Theatre in Tinley Park, Illinois. This was during the Forbidden Tour. Band lineup: Tony Iommi (guitar), Tony Martin (vocals), Cozy Powell (drums), Neil Murray (bass) and Geoff Nicholls (keyboards).

On July 7, 1999 – BLACK SABBATH performed at Ozzfest at Riverpoint Amphitheatre in Maryland Heights, Missouri. The set list below:

  1. War Pigs
  2. N.I.B.
  3. Fairies Wear Boots
  4. After Forever
  5. Electric Funeral
  6. Sweet Leaf
  7. Into the Void
  8. Snowblind
  9. Dirty Women
  10. Black Sabbath
  11. Iron Man
  12. Children of the Grave
  13. Paranoid

On July 7, 2016 – BLACK SABBATH performed at Monsters Of Rock at Kaisaniemi in Helsinki, Finland. The estimated attendance was 20,000.

BLACK SABBATH FOREVER.

On This Day In BLACK SABBATH History – July 2nd

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on July 2, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

On July 2, 1971 – BLACK SABBATH performed at Cleveland Public Hall in Cleveland, Ohio.

On July 2, 2016 – BLACK SABBATH performed at Tauron Arena in Kraków, Poland. This was during The End Tour.

BLACK SABBATH FOREVER.

On This Day In BLACK SABBATH History – June 30th

Posted in classic rock, concerts, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on June 30, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

On June 30th, 1998 – BLACK SABBATH performed at Ozzfest at Oslo Spektrum in Oslo, Norway. This was during the BLACK SABBATH Reunion Tour. The set list below:

  1. War Pigs
  2. N.I.B.
  3. Fairies Wear Boots
  4. Snowblind
  5. Into the Void
  6. Spiral Architect
  7. Lord of This World
  8. Electric Funeral
  9. Black Sabbath
  10. Iron Man
  11. Embryo
  12. Children of the Grave
  13. Paranoid

On June 30, 2001 – BLACK SABBATH performed at Ozzfest at Blockbuster Pavilion in San Bernardino, California. The set list below:

  1. N.I.B.
  2. Snowblind
  3. Scary Dreams
  4. War Pigs
  5. Iron Man
  6. Into the Void
  7. Black Sabbath
  8. The Wizard
  9. Paranoid
  10. Children of the Grave

On June 30, 2016 – BLACK SABBATH performed at O2 Arena in Prague, Czechia. This concert was during THE END Tour.

BLACK SABBATH FOREVER.

On This Day In BLACK SABBATH History – June 29th

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , , on June 29, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

June 29, 1992 – BLACK SABBATH perform at Canecão in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This was during the Dehumanizer Tour. Ronnie James Dio (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass) and Vinny Appice on drums.

On June 29, 1997 – BLACK SABBATH performed at Ozzfest at Blockbuster Pavilion in San Bernardino, California. The set list below:

  1. War Pigs
  2. Into the Void
  3. Sweet Leaf
  4. Iron Man
  5. Embryo
  6. Children of the Grave
  7. Black Sabbath
  8. Fairies Wear Boots
  9. Paranoid

June 29, 2001 – BLACK SABBATH performed at Ozzfest at Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California. The set list below:

  1. N.I.B.
  2. Snowblind
  3. Scary Dreams
  4. War Pigs
  5. Iron Man
  6. Into the Void
  7. The Wizard
  8. Black Sabbath
  9. Paranoid
  10. Children of the Grave

On June 29, 2005 – BLACK SABBATH performed in Prague, Czech Republic at T-Mobile Arena.

BLACK SABBATH FOREVER.

On This Day In BLACK SABBATH History – June 26th

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 26, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

On June 26, 1970 – BLACK SABBATH performed at Audimax der Freien Universität, Berlin, Germany.

On June 26, 2019 – BLACK SABBATH 50 YEARS / A MAJOR EXHIBITION opened at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.

BLACK SABBATH FOREVER.

On This Day In BLACK SABBATH History – June 23rd

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , , on June 23, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

June 23, 1992 – The first concert on the Black Sabbath Dehumanizer tour was at Olympia in São Paulo, Brazil.

June 23, 2016 – Black Sabbath perform at Tons of Rock Festival in Halden, Norway. This festival took place inside the 17th century fortress Fredriksten.

HAIL BLACK SABBATH.

On This Day In BLACK SABBATH History – June 22nd

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , , on June 22, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

On June 22, 1978 – Black Sabbath performs/lip syncs their hit Never Say Die on the BBC show: Top of the Pops.

On June 22, 1992 – Black Sabbath released their 16th studio album: Dehumanizer. This Black Sabbath lineup was: Ronnie James Dio (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass), Vinny Appice (drums) and Geoff Nicholls (keyboards). This was the third and last Black Sabbath studio album to feature Ronnie James Dio as vocalist.

On June 22, 2014 – Black Sabbath perform at Val de Moine in Clisson, France for the Hellfest. Black Sabbath were touring in support of their studio album: 13.

HAIL BLACK SABBATH.

On This Day In BLACK SABBATH History – June 20th

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on June 20, 2022 by Metal Odyssey

On June 20th, 1970 – Black Sabbath performed at Radstadion in Munich, Germany, on their first major tour in support of their debut self-titled album.

On June 20th, 1995 – Black Sabbath released their 18th studio album Forbidden, on the I.R.S. record label. The band lineup on this album: Tony Iommi (guitar), Tony Martin (vocals), Cozy Powell (drums) and Geoff Nicholls (keyboards). IceT lended his vocals on the song: Illusion of Power.

On June 20th, 1998 – A Black Sabbath reunion performance of all four original members took place at Ozzfest, at the Milton Keynes Bowl in Milton Keynes, England.

On June 20th, 2014 – Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and drummer Tommy Clufetos performed at Hallenstadion in Zürich, Switzerland, during The End Farewell Tour.

BLACK SABBATH FOREVER.

BLACK SABBATH – 5 Facts About The Fathers Of Heavy Metal – Part II

Posted in Metal with tags , , , , on April 15, 2020 by Metal Odyssey

“Live At Last” was originally released back in 1980, without the consent of Black Sabbath. In later years, this live bootleg, if you will, was released as follows:

Released Summer 1980
Re-Released March 1996
Re-Released August 20, 1996 (Past Lives)
Re-Released September 27, 2010

On June 26th, 2019, the official naming ceremony for the “Black Sabbath Bridge” took place in Birmingham, England. Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler attended this joyous and historical occasion.

Music legend Rick Wakeman played keyboards on the 1973 studio album “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath”.

The touring keyboardist for Black Sabbath, on their “Sabotage World Tour” (1975-1976) was Jezz Woodruffe. “Sabotage” was released back in July of 1975.

Sources: Black Sabbath Online / The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal (1st edition)

LONG LIVE BLACK SABBATH.

STONE.

BLACK SABBATH – 5 Fast Facts About The Fathers Of Heavy Metal

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, music news, news, rock music, world news with tags , , , , , , on December 12, 2019 by Metal Odyssey

Fact #1: The only effects used on the Black Sabbath debut album from 1970 are the thunderstorm and eerie tolling bell, as heard on the intro to the title track.

Fact #2: Bassist Geezer Butler was influenced by Frank Zappa.

Fact #3: The second studio album from Black Sabbath, (1970) Paranoid, peaked at #12 in America, while continuing to chart for 70 weeks.

Fact #4: Back in 1978, the mighty Van Halen opened for Black Sabbath on their Never Say Die! tour.

Fact #5: Ted Nugent opened for Black Sabbath on their Technical Ecstasy Tour, back in 1976.

Source used: http://www.blacksabbath.com

LONG LIVE BLACK SABBATH.

STONE.

BLACK SABBATH “THE END” – Look At The Merch My BEST Metal Buddy Bought For Me From The Concert! Whoa! Amazing!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, news, rock music, world news with tags , , , , on November 16, 2016 by Metal Odyssey

black-sabbath-the-end-my-concert-tee-2016-mo88ilmfsoc33997

Above: My Black Sabbath “The End” concert tee!

__________________________

I first met Scott Coverdale back in 1988, while we were both attending the same Community College together. Our relationship has bonded into a legit brotherhood ever since. Scott has been a tremendous Metal researcher for Metal Odyssey these last several years, as well. In other words, Scott is my very BEST Metal Buddy. ‘Nuff said.

Scott Coverdale was hugely fortunate to attend the Black Sabbath concert at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, back on August 27th of this year. This of course was one stop for Black Sabbaths’ “The End” Tour.

black-sabbath-the-end-autographed-cd-2016-33ilmf33mo9

Above: My autographed CD digipak (left inner side of duofold) – Tony Iommi & Geezer Butler.

I never thought in a million Metal years that Scott would purchase for me, as gifts, a tour tee and autographed “The End” CD for me, while he was at this show! Then again, this type of generosity from Scott is nothing new to me either. From everything that Scott told me about this Black Sabbath concert, he had a grand Metal experience!

Take a look below and above at the autographed tee and CD gifts I received from my Best Metal Buddy Scott! I still cannot believe I have this incredible cool and historic Black Sabbath concert merch! Thank you again, Scott! A brother like you I can never take for granted. Metal Be Thy Name!

black-sabbath-the-end-autographed-cd-ozzy-2016-mo333ilmfso33

Above: Right inner side of my digipak – Ozzy Osbournes’ autograph! Whoa!

black-sabbath-the-end-concert-tee-back-2016-mo99ilmf33

Above: Backside of my Black Sabbath “The End” concert tee.

black-sabbath-the-end-cd-cover-pic-2016-33ilmfso9933

Above: Front cover of Black Sabbath “The End” CD.

black-sabbath-the-end-back-cover-of-cd-2016-mo099ilmfsoc333

Above: Back cover of Black Sabbath “The End” CD.

___________________________

* The CD was already pre-autographed by Black Sabbath and purchased at their merch booth by Scott.

* All photos of above merch taken by Stone.

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE SCOTT COVERDALE.

LONG LIVE THE METAL LEGACY OF BLACK SABBATH.

Stone.

On This Day In BLACK SABBATH History – September 18th…

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, news, rock music, world news with tags , , , , , on September 18, 2016 by Metal Odyssey

Black Sabbath - Paranoid - promo album cover pic - #1970GMMMSALBTO06

On September 18th, 1970Paranoid, the second studio album from BLACK SABBATH is released in the UK. Whoa!

Black Sabbath - Master Of Reality - promo album cover pic - #MO33MMN99SS

On September 18th, 1971BLACK SABBATH performed at the Civic Auditorium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. BLACK SABBATH were touring in support of their third studio album: Master Of Reality.

black-sabbath-van-halen-1978-concert-flyer-tulsa-oklahoma-mo999ilmf33

On September 18th, 1978BLACK SABBATH performed at the Assembly Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA. On this world tour, BLACK SABBATH were promoting their eighth studio album: Never Say Die! The cool part here is VAN HALEN opened for BLACK SABBATH on this date!

black-sabbath-forbidden-promo-cover-pic-1995-33ilmfmo99933

On September 18th, 1995BLACK SABBATH performed at Rolling Stone in Milan, Italy. This tour was in support of their studio album: Forbidden. For technicality sake, this is the eighteenth BLACK SABBATH studio album.

This Forbidden version of BLACK SABBATH featured: vocalist Tony Martin, the legendary Tony Iommi on guitar, Neil Murray on bass, Bobby Rondinelli on drums and Geoff Nicholls on Keyboards.

Black Sabbath - Greatest Hits - 1970 - 1978 - promo album cover pic - #BSMO0530

On September 18th, 2016BLACK SABBATHS’ Greatest Hits 1970-1978 is ranked at #22, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart (USA). Right on, man!

Black Sabbath - debut - self titled album cover promo - pic

On September 18th, 2016 – The debut and self-titled album from BLACK SABBATH is STILL appearing on the album charts, after 46 years! This iconic studio album is ranked at #63, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart (USA). Unbelievable and Metal Be Thy Name! – Stone

__________________________

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE BLACK SABBATH.

LONG LIVE MY BEST METAL BUDDY, SCOTT COVERDALE.

Stone.

BLACK SABBATH – Metal Legends Are Guitar World’s March 2015 Cover Feature

Posted in classic rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on February 13, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Black Sabbath - Guitar World - March - 2015 - #02BSMO

As reported by Guitar World:

Guitar World’s March 2015 issue focuses on Black Sabbath’s Tony, Geezer, and Ozzy as they spill the details on drugs, debauchery, and some damned good riffs!

First, Black Sabbath’s Iron Men, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler recall the rise and fall of the first – and greatest – incarnation of heavy metal’s originators. Then, the Ozz Man tells the stories behind 10 classic Black Sabbath tracks, including “Paranoid,” “Fairies Wear Boots,” “Planet Caravan,” and “Iron Man.”

Also, Guitar World picks the best of the original lineup tracks – from “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” and “Supernaut” to “Sweet Leaf” and “Dirty Women.”

For ordering: Get your copy today for $7.99!

____________________________

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE BLACK SABBATH.

LONG LIVE GUITAR WORLD.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.