Black Sabbath's "Live Evil" 2LP Album, released on December 16, 1982, immortalizes the band's live prowess during their 1982 world tour. Recorded at iconic venues, the album seamlessly blends classics from the Ozzy era with Dio's powerful vocals, showcasing Black Sabbath's evolution. A sonic journey through their discography, "Live Evil" stands as a timeless testament to the band's enduring impact on heavy metal.
On the 16th of December 1982, Black Sabbath unleashed a monumental piece of heavy metal history upon the world - the "Live Evil" 12" Vinyl 2LP Album. This live recording stands as a testament to the band's enduring legacy and their unparalleled impact on the heavy metal genre. Here we delve into the history of Black Sabbath, the context surrounding the creation of "Live Evil," and the album's enduring significance.
The Birth of Black Sabbath:
To truly appreciate "Live Evil," one must first understand the roots of Black Sabbath. Formed in Birmingham in 1968, the original lineup consisted of Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass), and Bill Ward (drums). They are widely regarded as the pioneers of heavy metal, crafting a sound that combined ominous riffs, dark lyrics, and a foreboding atmosphere.
Evolution of the Band:
Over the years, Black Sabbath underwent several lineup changes, with Ronnie James Dio replacing Ozzy Osbourne as the lead vocalist in 1979. This transition marked a new era for the band, characterized by a shift in musical style and thematic elements.
The Making of "Live Evil":
"Live Evil" was recorded during the band's 1982 world tour in support of their studio albums "Heaven and Hell" (1980) and "Mob Rules" (1981), both featuring Dio on vocals. The decision to release a live album at this point in their career was strategic, capturing the energy and intensity of their performances during a period of reinvention.
The album was recorded at various locations, including The Sports Arena in Long Beach, California, and The Hammersmith Odeon in London. The meticulous selection of tracks showcased the band's evolution, featuring classics from the Ozzy era alongside newer material with Dio at the helm.
Musical Highlights:
"Live Evil" is a sonic journey through Black Sabbath's rich discography. From the haunting opening track "E5150" to the iconic "Heaven and Hell" and the thunderous "War Pigs," each song resonates with the power and passion of a band at the peak of their live performance prowess.
Tony Iommi's masterful guitar work, Geezer Butler's thunderous bass lines, Bill Ward's dynamic drumming, and Ronnie James Dio's commanding vocals collectively create a sonic experience that captures the essence of Black Sabbath.
Legacy and Influence:
"Live Evil" not only immortalized Black Sabbath's live presence but also solidified their status as one of the most influential bands in the history of heavy metal. The album has stood the test of time, continuing to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
The album: "BLACK SABBATH - Live Evil" was produced by: Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler.
Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Bill Freesh, Lee De Carlo
This album was recorded at: live in Seattle, San Antonio and Dallas
Recorded with The Record Plant Mobile, Los Angeles
Mixed at The Record Plant, Los Angeles
Album cover design and Artwork : Jay Vigon, Paul Clark, Stan Watts
Album cover photography: Mark "Weissguy" Weiss, Patrick "Flash" Harbron
Heavy Metal, NWOBHM, Hard Rock
Vertigo 6650 009, Vertigo 6302 202, Vertigo 6302 203
Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 460 gram
1983 Netherlands
Tony Iommi (Full-name: Anthony Frank Iommi) an English guitarist and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist and one of the founding members of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath. Iommi is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important figures in the history of heavy metal, and is credited with helping to shape the sound and style of the genre.
Iommi was born in Birmingham, England in 1948 and began playing guitar at a young age. In 1969, he formed Black Sabbath with singer Ozzy Osbourne, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. The band's self-titled debut album, released in 1970, is considered one of the first heavy metal albums and is widely regarded as a classic of the genre. Over the course of their career, Black Sabbath released numerous hit albums, including "Paranoid" (1970), "Master of Reality" (1971), and "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" (1973).
Iommi's guitar playing is characterized by his heavy, driving riffs, intricate solos, and use of distortion and feedback. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest guitarists in the history of rock music and has been awarded numerous accolades for his contributions to the genre. In 2005, he was ranked number 25 in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time.
In addition to his work with Black Sabbath, Iommi has also collaborated with numerous other artists and released several solo albums. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath, and his contributions to heavy metal and rock music continue to be celebrated and recognized by fans and industry professionals alike.
Anthony Frank Iommi was born in Birmingham, City and Borough of Birmingham, England, United Kingdom on 19 February 1948. He is the first child of Anthony Frank Iommi Sr. and Sylvia Maria Valenti.
One of his partners was Valery Iommi 1987. He married Susan Snowdon in 1973. He married Melinda Diaz in 1980. He married Maria Sjöholm in 2005. He was 25 years old when he married Susan Snowdon. He was 32 years old when he married Melinda Diaz. He was 57 years old when he married Maria Sjöholm. He got divorced from Valery Iommi in 1993. He got divorced from Susan Snowdon in 1976. He got divorced from Melinda Diaz in 1985. He has one daughter with Melinda Diaz: Toni-Marie Iommi.
During 1980 he works as a musician in "Heaven and Hell", Black Sabbath. He was 32 years old at that point. During 1989 he works as a musician in "Headless Cross", Black Sabbath. He was 41 years old at that point. During 1989 he works as a musician in "Headless Cross", Black Sabbath. He was 41 years old at that point. His occupation is guitarist.
Terry "Geezer" Butler (Full-name: Terence Michael Joseph "Geezer" Butler) is an English bassist and songwriter, best known as the bassist and primary lyricist for the heavy metal band Black Sabbath. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important bassists in the history of heavy metal, and is credited with helping to shape the sound and style of the genre.
Butler was born in Birmingham, England in 1949 and formed Black Sabbath in 1969 with singer Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, and drummer Bill Ward. The band's self-titled debut album, released in 1970, is considered one of the first heavy metal albums and is widely regarded as a classic of the genre. Over the course of their career, Black Sabbath released numerous hit albums, including "Paranoid" (1970), "Master of Reality" (1971), and "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" (1973).
Butler's bass playing is characterized by his heavy, driving basslines, innovative use of distortion and effects, and his ability to create memorable melodies and grooves. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest bassists in the history of rock music and has been awarded numerous accolades for his contributions to the genre. In 2005, he was ranked number 90 in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 greatest bassists of all time.
In addition to his work with Black Sabbath, Butler has also collaborated with numerous other artists and released several solo albums. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath, and his contributions to heavy metal and rock music continue to be celebrated and recognized by fans and industry professionals alike.
Geoff Nicholls (real-name: Geoffrey James Nicholls) is a keyboardist, musician and best known for the period where he performed with the NWOBHM band "Black Sabbath". Other bands he has performed with include Johnny Neal and the Starliners, Quartz, The Boll Weevils, The Seed, Tony Martin, World of Oz.
WWA 101 , 1975 , United Kingdom
In the realm of heavy metal music, few bands have achieved the iconic status and enduring influence of Black Sabbath. With their groundbreaking sound and dark lyrical themes, they pioneered a genre that continues to captivate listeners to this day. Among their many releases, the 1975 UK compilation album
Attention! Volume Two 12" Vinyl LP
Vertigo 847.903 847903 , 1970 , France
In the grimy, industrial heart of 1970, Black Sabbath unleashed their eponymous debut, a record that would shake the foundations of rock music and birth a new genre: heavy metal. This wasn't your parents' rock and roll; it was darker, heavier, and steeped in occult imagery that both intrigued and terrified.
BLACK SABBATH - Self-Titled 12" Vinyl LP
Vertigo 814 271 , 1983 , West-Germany
"Born Again" marked a significant moment for Black Sabbath as it was the only studio album to feature Ian Gillan, the legendary frontman of Deep Purple, on vocals. The band's lineup for this release included Tony Iommi on guitar, Geezer Butler on bass, and Bill Ward on drums. The album was produced by Robin Black
Born Again ( Offensive Album Cover ) 12" Vinyl LP
Discos Victoria VLP-101 / 30.465, 30.466, 30.467 / 9094/3, Iberofon SA , 1984 , Spain
Released during a time of great musical exploration in the early 1970s, Black Sabbath's "Collection Vol 1" 3LP box-set is a testament to the band's pioneering role in the development of heavy metal. Emerging from the industrial landscape of Birmingham, England, Black Sabbath channeled their surroundings into a sound
Collection Vol 1 3LP Box-set
I.R.S 7 13155 , 1992 , EEC
Black Sabbath's "Dehumanizer" is a sonic sledgehammer, reuniting Dio and Appice with the metal titans. This 1992 release delves into dark themes of technological dystopia and human frailty, driven by relentless riffs and Dio's soaring vocals. A raw and powerful album that cements their legacy.
Dehumanizer 12" Vinyl LP
Vertigo 832 708 , 1987, Netherlands
"Black Sabbath's 'The Eternal Idol' (1987) ushered in a new era with vocalist Tony Martin. Produced by Patrick Meehan, Jeff Glixman, Chris Tsangarides, and Vic Coppersmith-Heaven, it showcased the band's evolution. Recorded at top studios, the album's sonic exploration and production finesse,
Eternal Idol 12" Vinyl LP
NEMS NEL 6009 , 1977 , West-Germany
This is the "Greatest Hits" compilation album released in 1977 on the NEMS Record Label. The illustration on the album front cover is "El Triunfo de la Muerte" by Pieter Bruegel, El Viejo and the record's label is white with black typography
Greatest Hits ( NEMS White Label ) 12" Vinyl LP
1977
This is the "Greatest Hits" compilation album released in 1977 on the NEMS Record Label. The illustration on the album front cover is "El Triunfo de la Muerte" by Pieter Bruegel, El Viejo and the record's label shows a "Fried Egg".
Greatest Hits ( "Fried Egg" Label ) 12" Vinyl LP
I.R.S. 064-24 1005 , 1989 , EEC
"Headless Cross" was the 14th studio album by Black Sabbath and was released on 24 April 1989. The album was recorded at Battery Studios in London. The album featured 10 tracks, including the titular "Headless Cross," "Devil & Daughter," and "When Death Calls."
Headless Cross 12" Vinyl LP
Vertigo 6302 017 (6302 017) , 1980 , Germany
"Heaven and Hell" was the first album after singer Ozzy Osbourne left the band and was the first album featuring Ronnie James Dio , formerly of Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, who brought his own unique style of song writing and vocalisation to the "Black Sabbath" band.
Heaven and Hell 12" Vinyl LP
Vertigo 6302 202 , 1983 , West-Germany
"Live Evil", released in 1982 and in January 1983 in the UK, is the first "official" live album by British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, the previously released Live at Last (1980) not having been sanctioned by the band. It was recorded with Ronnie James Dio singing and is a of the Mob Rules World Tour
Live Evil 2Lp Germany
Vertigo 6650 009, 1983 , Netherlands
Black Sabbath's "Live Evil" 2LP Album, released on December 16, 1982, immortalizes the band's live prowess during their 1982 world tour. Recorded at iconic venues, the album seamlessly blends classics from the Ozzy era with Dio's powerful vocals, showcasing Black Sabbath's evolution.
Live Evil 2LP Netherlands
Vertigo PRID 11 / 826-882 , 1983 , UK / England
Black Sabbath's "Live Evil," a double live album released in 1982, captures the band's tumultuous yet creatively fertile period with Ronnie James Dio at the helm. Recorded during their 1982 world tour, "Live Evil" documents the band's dynamic live performances, showcasing a mix of Dio-era material
Live Evil 2LP England
NEMS - NEL 6004 , 1976 , USA
Black Sabbath's "Master of Reality" is a 1971 heavy metal landmark. Its down-tuned riffs, dark lyrics about drugs and war, and experimental elements like a cough and cello solidified the band's sound and cemented their place in music history. Recorded at Island Studios with producer Rodger Bain,
Master of Reality ( USA ) 12" Vinyl LP
Warner Bros (WB) Records BS 2562 , Canada
In the heart of 1971, Black Sabbath's "Master of Reality" landed in Canada, a sonic earthquake shaking the foundations of rock. Its raw, distorted riffs, Ozzy's haunting vocals, and lyrics delving into darkness resonated with a generation seeking rebellion. This Canadian release cemented the band's place
Master of Reality ( Canada ) 12" Vinyl LP
WWA Records WWA 008 , 1971 , England
Black Sabbath's "Master of Reality" (1971) is a landmark heavy metal album. Its down-tuned guitars, sludgy riffs, and Ozzy Osbourne's eerie vocals explore themes of drug use, war, and societal disillusionment. The album's raw sound and iconic tracks like "Sweet Leaf" and "Children of the Grave"
Master of Reality ( WWA Records ) 12" Vinyl LP
Vertigo 9124 101 , Vertigo 9124 101 1978 , Germany
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Never Say Die 12" Vinyl LP
Vertigo 6360 011 (6360011) , 1970 , England
Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" UK 1st pressing on Vertigo with the full swirl label is a sought-after heavy metal record. Released in 1970, this album features genre-defining tracks like "War Pigs" and "Iron Man," This particular pressing is a collector's dream, prized for its rarity and historical significance.
Paranoid ( Gt. Britain ) 12" Vinyl LP
Vertigo AA 6360 011 (6360011) , 1970 , Germany
Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" (1970) is a landmark heavy metal album, featuring iconic tracks like the title song and "Iron Man." It captured the raw energy and social unrest of the era, with Tony Iommi's down-tuned guitar riffs, Geezer Butler's thunderous bass, Bill Ward's powerful drumming, and Ozzy Osbourne'
Paranoid ( Germany ) 12" Vinyl LP
Warner Bros BS 2822 , 1975 , USA
Black Sabbath's "Sabotage" (1975) is a raw and intense album that showcases a heavier, more experimental side of the band. Born out of internal turmoil and legal battles, the album features aggressive riffs, complex song structures, and darker lyrics reflecting their frustration.
Sabotage 12" Vinyl LP
Vertigo 6360 071 , 1972 , United Kingdom
Black Sabbath's "Vol. 4" is a landmark heavy metal album released in 1972. It features iconic tracks like "Snowblind" and "Supernaut," showcasing the band's signature dark sound and Ozzy Osbourne's powerful vocals. This Vertigo swirl label vinyl LP is a sought-after collector's item for fans
Vol 4 ( Full Swirl , 1972 ) 12" Vinyl LP
Vertigo 6360 071 , 1972 , France
This is the French Edition of Black Sabbath's Vol 4 which was originally to be titled Snowblind, after one of several tracks referring to cocaine use. The album was recorded in California, the first time Sabbath had recorded a studio album outside the United Kingdom.
Vol 4 ( France ) 12" Vinyl LP
Victoria Records VLP 106 / 40.470 , 1984 , Spain
Black Sabbath's "We Sold Our Soul for Rock and Roll" gets the royal treatment in this Spanish 2LP vinyl release. Not only do you get the band's iconic sound in pure analog, but also a collectible poster to complete the experience. A must-have for any serious Sabbath fan or vinyl enthusiast.
We Sold Our Soul for Rock and Roll 12" Vinyl LP