Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with releases such as Black Sabbath, Paranoid, and Master of Reality. The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne's departure in 1979, with Iommi being the only constant member throughout its history. After previous iterations of the group called the Polka Tulk Blues Band and Earth, the band settled on the name Black Sabbath in 1969. They distinguished themselves through occult themes with horror-inspired lyrics and down-tuned guitars. Signing to Philips Records in November 1969, they released their first single, "Evil Woman" in January 1970. Their debut album, Black Sabbath, was released the following month.
Also known as | The Polka Tulk Blues Band, Earth |
Origin | Birmingham, England |
Genres | Heavy metal |
Years active | 1968–2006, 2011–2017 |
Labels | Vertigo/Mercury/Virgin EMI/Universal, Warner Bros, I.R.S, Sanctuary |
Associated acts | Mythology, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Dio, Blue Murder, Heaven & Hell |
Past members | List |
About Black Sabbath
Helping to shape the heavy metal genre, they have gone on 30 tours from 1970 to 2017. They were entered into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. They went on hiatus from 2006 to 2011.
Achievement of Black Sabbath
Their last concert took place at Genting Arena in February 2017.
Top Facts You Did Not Know About Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath Category.. I.R.S. Records artists.. Vertigo Records artists.. Kerrang! Awards winners.. Musical groups from Birmingham, West Midlands.. English heavy metal musical groups.. Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winners.
Latest information about Black Sabbath updated on July 28 2021.