BLACK SABBATH LP Discography & Album Cover Gallery

Black Sabbath's History;

 Black Sabbath is one of the most influential and groundbreaking bands in the history of rock and heavy metal music. Formed in Birmingham, England in 1968, the band consisted of lead vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. With their unique sound and dark imagery, Black Sabbath single-handedly created the heavy metal genre and laid the foundation for countless metal bands that followed.

 Black Sabbath's sound was heavily influenced by blues rock, but they took it to a new level with the incorporation of dark and eerie elements. Their music often featured heavy and distorted guitar riffs, bass-driven grooves, and powerful drum beats, and the lyrics often dealt with darker and more ominous themes, such as death, evil, and the occult. This combination of hard-hitting music and lyrics that dealt with taboo subject matter was a departure from the more upbeat and lighthearted music that was popular at the time, and it quickly gained a cult following.

 One of the key elements of Black Sabbath's sound was Tony Iommi's distinctive guitar playing. Iommi was known for his fast and aggressive playing style, which was characterized by his use of powerful riffs and solos. Despite losing the tips of two of his fingers in a factory accident, Iommi was able to adapt his playing style to accommodate the injury, and his signature sound became one of the hallmarks of the heavy metal genre.

In addition to their music, Black Sabbath's image was also a major factor in their appeal. The band was known for their dark and mysterious stage presence, and their album covers and merchandise often featured imagery of death, evil, and the occult. This aesthetic helped to further set them apart from other bands of the time and gave them a unique and memorable identity.

 Black Sabbath's impact on the heavy metal genre cannot be overstated. They were one of the first bands to play what would later be called heavy metal, and they paved the way for countless metal bands that followed. The band's influence can be heard in countless metal and hard rock bands, from early heavy metal pioneers like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, to more contemporary bands like Slayer and Metallica.

 Despite their success and influence, Black Sabbath faced numerous challenges throughout their career. The band was often criticized for their dark and controversial image, and they were frequently targeted by moral and religious groups who saw their music and lyrics as a threat to society. Despite these challenges, the band continued to produce new music and tour, and their popularity only continued to grow.

Black Sabbath's line-ups:

Black Sabbath had several line-up changes throughout their career. Here is a list of the most notable line-ups:

Original line-up (1968–1979): Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass), and Bill Ward (drums). This is considered the classic line-up of the band, and they recorded some of their most iconic albums together, including "Black Sabbath," "Paranoid," "Master of Reality," and "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath."

1. Line-up with Ronnie James Dio (1979–1982): Ozzy Osbourne was replaced by Ronnie James Dio on vocals, and this line-up recorded the albums "Heaven and Hell," "Mob Rules," and "Dehumanizer."
2. Reunited line-up with Ozzy (1997–2006, 2011–2017): The original line-up reunited for several tours and albums, including "13" in 2013.
3. Line-up with Ozzy and various other members (2017–present): The current line-up consists of Ozzy Osbourne on vocals, Tony Iommi on guitar, and Geezer Butler on bass. Several different drummers have played with the band since Bill Ward's departure, including Tommy Clufetos and Brad Wilk.
4. Throughout their career, Black Sabbath has also had several other members and temporary replacements, but these are the most notable line-ups that the band has had.