Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath is a British rock band widely regarded as one of the pioneers and originators of heavy metal music. The band was formed in Birmingham, England, in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler, and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. Initially performing under names such as Polka Tulk Blues Band and Earth, the group adopted the name Black Sabbath after the title of a horror film starring Boris Karloff. Inspired by dark imagery and themes, they began crafting a distinctly heavy and ominous sound characterized by thunderous guitar riffs, slow tempos, and lyrics focusing on the occult, despair, and social unrest. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1970, marked the birth of a new musical genre and was followed later that year by *Paranoid*, which included some of the band’s most iconic songs such as "Iron Man," "War Pigs," and the title track "Paranoid." Throughout the early 1970s, Black Sabbath released a string of influential albums including *Master of Reality*, *Vol. 4*, and *Sabbath Bloody Sabbath*, solidifying their place in rock history. Despite their success, the band experienced numerous challenges, including internal conflicts and substance abuse issues. Ozzy Osbourne was fired from the band in 1979 and replaced by former Rainbow vocalist Ronnie James Dio, leading to a new chapter in the band's history with the acclaimed album *Heaven and Hell*. Over the years, Black Sabbath went through multiple lineup changes, with Iommi remaining the consistent driving force behind the group. After decades of evolving lineups and sporadic reunions, the original members of Black Sabbath reunited for a final album *13* in 2013 and embarked on a farewell tour, culminating in their final concert in Birmingham in 2017. Black Sabbath's influence on heavy metal and rock music is vast. They have sold over 70 million records worldwide and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. Their groundbreaking sound and legacy continue to inspire countless bands and generations of musicians across the globe.
