Black Sabbath was an English rock band formed in Birmingham, England in 1968 by guitarist and main songwriter Tony Iommi, singer Ozzy Osbourne, bassist and main lyricist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. The band is often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band’s debut album, Black Sabbath, released in 1970, and its eponymous single, quickly established the band as a key innovator in the genre. Despite an ever-changing line-up, the band’s core lineup of Iommi, Osbourne, Butler, and Ward remained together for over a decade. The band experienced multiple line-up changes following Osbourne’s departure in 1979, with Iommi being the only constant member throughout its history.
Black Sabbath achieved multiple platinum and gold album certifications and are cited as an influence on genres including stoner metal, doom metal, and black metal. The band has sold over 70 million records worldwide and were inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
| Name | Black Sabbath |
| Genre | Heavy Metal, Hard Rock |
| Founding Member | Tony Iommi (1948) |
| Drummer | Bill Ward (1948) |
| Vocalist | Ozzy Osbourne (1948) |
| Bassist | Geezer Butler (1949) |
| Formed | 1968 |
| Origin | Birmingham, England |
10 Best Black Sabbath Quotes
“We didn’t really want to be the heavy metal band, it just happened.”
– Ozzy Osbourne, from Rolling Stone
“We were just doing what felt natural to us. We knew it was different — we knew it was special.”
– Tony Iommi, from Rolling Stone
“I think the combination of us all was the key. We all had our individual personalities and playing styles, and when we combined them it created a unique sound.”
– Geezer Butler, from Rolling Stone
“The lyrics were based on real life experiences. We wrote about what we knew, and that’s why I think people related to them.”
– Ozzy Osbourne, from Rolling Stone
“We had a bit of a following, but we had no idea it was going to turn into this. It was just four guys playing music.”
– Bill Ward, from Rolling Stone
“We were all born out of blues and jazz, so I guess that came through in what we were doing.”
– Tony Iommi, from NPR
“We weren’t trying to be a metal band, we weren’t trying to be anything.”
– Ozzy Osbourne, from NPR
“It was just something new, something different.”
– Tony Iommi, from NPR
“The first album was like a breath of fresh air.”
– Geezer Butler, from NPR
“We just wanted to make music that was different and that we enjoyed playing.”
– Bill Ward, from NPR
8 Inspirational Black Sabbath Quotes
“The world needs more love, more understanding, more compassion, less hate and less wars.”
– Ozzy Osbourne, from Loudersound
“If you don’t have self-belief, you’re not going to get anywhere.”
– Tony Iommi, from GRAMMY
“We’re still metal and it’s still exciting. It’s still Black Sabbath.”
– Geezer Butler, from NME
“You get so much satisfaction from taking something from nothing and building it up.”
– Ozzy Osbourne, from Express
“You never know what’s going to happen in the future, so enjoy it while you can.”
– Tony Iommi, from Guitar World
“I think when you’re writing something it should be from the heart, and it should be written for yourself.”
– Ozzy Osbourne, from Loudersound
“I think the key is not to take yourself too seriously.”
– Geezer Butler, from GRAMMY
6 Famous Black Sabbath Quotes
1.
“The whole thing about Black Sabbath was to make music that was very heavy and very dark.”
– Ozzy Osbourne, from Loudersound
2.
“The thing that made Black Sabbath special was that we were so different.”
– Geezer Butler, from Loudersound
3.
“We wanted to write songs that were evil-sounding and dark.”
– Tony Iommi, from Loudersound
4.
“We wanted to play loud and heavy, and that’s where Sabbath came from.”
– Bill Ward, from Loudersound
5.
“We just wanted to make music that was different.”
– Ozzy Osbourne, from YouTube
6.
“We all had the same goal: to play something that no one had heard before.”
– Geezer Butler, from Rolling Stone
5 Black Sabbath Quotes About Love
“I think love is the most powerful thing in the universe. It can conquer all.”
– Ozzy Osbourne, from Rolling Stone
“Love is the most important thing. I mean, it’s the same message all the way through our music. You can’t really go wrong with love.”
– Tony Iommi, from Loudersound
“Love is so important.”
– Geezer Butler, from Loudersound
“I think love is the biggest thing life has to offer, really.”
– Bill Ward, from Loudersound
“Love is the strongest thing in the world.”
– Ozzy Osbourne, from uDiscoverMusic
5 Black Sabbath Quotes About Life
“Life is an adventure, and it’s what you make of it.”
– Tony Iommi, from NME
“Life is a school, and I’m learning.”
– Ozzy Osbourne, from Rolling Stone
“Life is about making a mark and having a positive effect on other people.”
– Geezer Butler, from Guitar World
“Life is a never-ending journey and it’s what you make of it.”
– Bill Ward, from Washington Post
“Life’s a bitch, and then you die—but you’ve got to make the most of it while you’re here.”
– Tony Iommi, from Guitar World
6 Quotes About Black Sabbath
“Black Sabbath literally invented heavy metal.”
– Rob Zombie, from Rolling Stone
“Black Sabbath is the band that started metal.”
– Kirk Hammett, from Rolling Stone
“They’re a huge influence on us, and they’re the fathers of heavy metal.”
– Ozzy Osbourne, from Loudersound
“What they did in the early days, they took chords that you wouldn’t normally hear in rock music and put them together, and it created a totally different sound. That’s why they have been so influential in music.”
– Geezer Butler, from Rolling Stone
“Black Sabbath were the first, and I still think they are the best, heavy metal band.”
– Tony Iommi, from The Guardian
“Black Sabbath pretty much invented the whole genre of metal.”
– Lars Ulrich, from Rolling Stone
Interview with Black Sabbath
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Sabbath
1. What are some of the most famous Black Sabbath quotes?
Black Sabbath, one of the pioneering bands in the heavy metal genre, have produced some of the most iconic and memorable quotes of all time. From their dark and melodic tunes to their meaningful and thought-provoking lyrics, the band has created a legacy that has influenced generations.
Here are some of the most famous Black Sabbath quotes:
- “War Pigs / Generals gathered in their masses / Just like witches at black masses” – War Pigs (1970)
- “And as we wind on down the road / Our shadows taller than our soul” – Snowblind (1972)
- “It’s the same old thing since 1916 / The working class who’ll never win” – Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973)
- “Oh no no no no no no / It’s never ending, it’s just beginning” – Neon Knights (1980)
- “I’m just a figure in the shadows / Living in a memory” – Headless Cross (1989)
- “Now I’m searching for the things I can’t obtain / Hoping for the day I’ll see the light again” – Psycho Man (1998)
2. How has Black Sabbath’s Music Influenced Modern Metal?
Black Sabbath is arguably one of the most influential metal bands of all time. Their pioneering heavy metal sound has had a lasting impact on modern metal, inspiring a number of bands and musicians to follow in their footsteps. Here are some of the ways in which Black Sabbath has influenced modern metal:
- The heavy riffs and powerful guitar solos of Black Sabbath’s music have become a hallmark of heavy metal, with many modern metal bands taking inspiration from their intense sound.
- Black Sabbath’s dark and brooding lyrics often explored themes of horror, violence, and the supernatural, setting the tone for many of the lyrical themes found in modern metal.
- The band’s iconic frontman Ozzy Osbourne is widely credited with popularizing the aggressive vocal style known as “screaming” which is now commonplace in many modern metal genres.
- The band’s iconic “doom metal” sound has been adopted by many modern metal bands, with the genre now being one of the most popular in metal music.
- Black Sabbath’s use of the tritone has become a staple of modern metal, with the dissonant intervals creating an unsettling atmosphere that has become a key part of the genre.
Black Sabbath’s influence on modern metal is undeniable. Their pioneering sound has been adopted and adapted by countless metal bands and musicians, helping to shape the genre as we know it today.
3. What is the significance of the band’s lyrics?
Black Sabbath’s lyrics are often seen as highly influential and can serve as a source of inspiration and solace for many people. The lyrics are filled with themes of depression and despair, but also of hope and resilience.
The band’s lyrics often reflect a sense of alienation, but also offer a message of hope and strength in the face of adversity. Themes of love, death, and the afterlife are also explored in their music.
The band’s lyrics also often serve to question the status quo, challenging listeners to think and act differently.
- Depression and despair
- Hope and resilience
- Alienation
- Love, death, and the afterlife
- Questioning the status quo
4. What is the origin of the name ‘Black Sabbath’?
The origin of the name ‘Black Sabbath’ has been debated for years. There are a few theories as to why the band chose this name.
- The first theory is that it was inspired by the horror film, “Black Sabbath”, starring Boris Karloff.
- The second is that it was a nod to the band’s heavy metal sound, as “Black Sabbath” implies a dark and ominous atmosphere.
- The third is that it was derived from the British superstition that Friday the 13th is the “unlucky day”, and the band wanted to evoke a feeling of dread and horror for their music.
Despite the debate, the band has never officially revealed why they chose the name ‘Black Sabbath’. The mystery remains, but the name itself has become synonymous with heavy metal and classic rock.
5. What is the Legacy of Black Sabbath’s Music?
Black Sabbath’s music is a defining influence on the genres of heavy metal, doom metal, and stoner rock. Their dark, brooding sound, heavy riffs, and haunting lyrics have left a lasting mark on the world of music. Here are some of their most enduring legacies:
- The Pioneers of Heavy Metal: Black Sabbath is widely credited as the pioneers of the heavy metal genre, having created a sound that has been adopted and expanded upon by countless other bands.
- The Influence on Doom Metal: Black Sabbath’s sound had a major influence on the doom metal genre, which is characterized by slow tempos, dark riffs, and crushingly heavy sounds.
- The Influence on Stoner Rock: Black Sabbath’s sound also had a major influence on the stoner rock genre, which combines elements of heavy metal, punk rock, and psychedelic rock.
- The Lasting Legacy of Their Songs: Black Sabbath’s songs are still widely-loved and covered by other bands to this day. Their songs have been featured in films, TV shows, video games, and numerous other media outlets.
- The Influence on Other Bands: Black Sabbath has influenced countless other bands, from Led Zeppelin and Metallica to Alice in Chains and Iron Maiden.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Black Sabbath has provided rock and metal fans with anthemic and powerful songs for over 50 years. They have influenced countless bands and inspired generations of musicians. Their lyrics and music have been quoted and referenced by countless artists, and will continue to be for many years to come. From “Paranoid” to “War Pigs” to “Iron Man,” Black Sabbath has left an indelible mark on the history of rock and metal music, and their quotes will continue to inspire and resonate with people for years to come.
