Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath is a British rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968, renowned as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band consisted of guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler, and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. Initially named Earth, they changed their name to Black Sabbath in 1969, inspired by a horror film and dark themes. Their music was characterized by dark, doom-laden sounds and lyrics often exploring occultism and horror. The use of the tritone, or "devil's chord," added to their ominous sound. Black Sabbath's early albums, such as "Black Sabbath" and "Paranoid," were highly influential and marked a shift in rock music. The band's success continued with albums like "Master of Reality" and "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath." Despite numerous lineup changes, Tony Iommi remained the constant member. Black Sabbath's impact on metal is profound, influencing bands like Metallica and Judas Priest. They have sold over 75 million records worldwide and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. Their legacy as a foundational heavy metal band continues to shape the genre.