Never Say Never
After much speculation, the original four members of BLACK SABBATH–OZZY OSBOURNE (vocals),TONY IOMMI (guitar), GEEZER BUTLER (bass) and BILL WARD (drums)–have reunited to record their first studio album in 33 years with producer Rick Rubin (seven-time Grammy winner, two of those as Producer of the Year) and to embark on an extensive world tour in 2012.
OSBOURNE, IOMMI, BUTLER and WARD as well as Rubin gathered yesterday on
Selling over 70 million albums together, the Grammy-winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees have signed a new record deal; worldwide with Vertigo and Vertigo/ Universal Republic in the U.S.,the band’s original label. BLACK SABBATH is now in the studio recording the as-yet-untitled new album for release in the fall of 2012 (exact date TBA). It will mark their ninth studio album together and their first since 1978’s Never Say Die!
Next summer, BLACK SABBATH will headline the mammoth multi-day UK Download Festival in the U.K. on June 10. The new album will then be supported with a worldwide headlining tour (Dates TBA).
BLACK SABBATH also announced today the launch of www.blacksabbath.com, the first-ever official BLACK SABBATH website for all authorized BLACK SABBATH news. Expect to see more coming from the band by way of Facebook and Twitter.
BLACK SABBATH released their self-titled debut album in 1970. “Black Sabbath is credited with creating heavy metal,” according to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “The success of their first two albums–Black Sabbath and Paranoid–marked a paradigm shift in the world of rock. Not until Black Sabbath upended the music scene did the term ‘heavy metal’ enter the popular vocabulary to describe the denser, more thunderous offshoot of rock over which they presided.”
In 1998, BLACK SABBATH released Reunion from their 1997 concerts in Birmingham, England, a two-CD live set. The band periodically got together to perform shows from 1999-2005; headlining Ozzfest in 1999, 2001, 2004, & 2005. They’ve now enthusastically reformed to record and release a long awaited; long overdue full length album.
Hello Mr. Butler: 2012 and the Rubin treatment?
How could you go along with this?
Rubin is a ventilator, witness Cash and Diamond.
More importantly, where is the band’s John Deacon or Steve Perry?
One had always hoped that you held a quiet wisdom to counter the self-serving notions of the vocalist and the guitarist. You were, after all, the creative catalyst in the heyday, providing a soul to the instrumentation.
Now it’s half a lifetime later. Must the endless reunions stumble to the last gasp?
Staging a press conference…. months and months ahead of the music?
Good grief. The stewardship of Black Sabbath was squandered long ago.
Godspeed.
From all your fans everywhere, thank you! An improbable gift, one more chance to experience LIVE the quintessential music of four of the most amazing musicians to ever play together. You have made us ecstatically happy.
One request — please, PLEASE record the new album as the first two were done — LIVE in the studio. Resist that urge to fix any mistakes you might make; let them be immortalized, along with the incredible music you perform. You know this is right; please do the right thing.
Hey Terry. Will you write some lyrics and will any of the songs you recorded in 2001 be incl.uded? How about Scary Dreams?
hello geezer when recording any chance the you’ tony and bill would revisit using any vintage equipment such certain basses’ bass rigs vintage set up’s u used when recording back in the day i must say bill’s SLINGERLAND drum sound back then was lethal . and i’m'o a huge part of your’e great sound. man he beat the hell out of those thing’s any chance we will ever see those BC RICH EAGLE basses again. i saw those as a kid and knew that i wanted to be a bassist. after seeing you and those eagles my fate was sealed. ‘ the rest they say is history. b.t.w gzr you and your’e wifes love and compassion of all animal’s is AWSOME i wish there were more people like you in the world. bless you both. thomas
Can’t wait if the songs sound anything like the old vibe on Scary Dreams I will be more than happy
All management stand clear and let the fellas do their thing!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Geezer!!!
GREAT to hear ……. We in the cold north …… Denmark look forward for another concert!!!
Still remember you playing ……. back in 1969/70 …… first as Earth/ later Sabbath!!
Geezer , All I can say is THANK YOU ! THANK YOU to you OZZY , TONY and BILL ! We love you all and miss you all ! See you soon my friend !
Well it’s that time again…back seeing as many shows as me and the guys can make…Hope you can contact me with any warm up gigs as we love those smaller venues.Very interested in hitting the states again,so as soon as its confimed would’nt mind a the heads up,so as we can get some tickets before they sell out..especially the first gig..i’m assuming it’s before Russia….This time up for some Europe dates..hope to hear from you soon..keep rocking….give my best wishes to Gloria x
It has ben a privledge to hear of the news of the Black Sabbath Reuinion
Over the years the only thing that to me has been a constant is the music and additude of Black Sabbath. thank You for the great news that we can now expect more
Wow, my friends, I’m looking forward to June 4th next year, to celebrate your Reunion at the Concert in Dortmund/Germany. I’m born in 1957 and I’m a Black Sabbath Fan since the early beginning. Thank you!
Fuck yeah.
It’s a great new ! I’m very happy with it..And i hope that toni will be in good health…Blessings for everybody in the band !
Hello Geezer I wish you a excellent 2012! I have a dream see you and Black Sabbath in Brazil, please put Brazil in world tour. Kisses
Hi Geezer,
How are you? Had the pleasure of meeting you back in 1992 in New York. Wishing you all the best on the new album & tour. PLEASE change the set list. Let’s hear “Wheels Of Confusion”, “Johnny Blade”. God Bless You & Gloria for staying with Ronnie to the very end. You showed what the meaning of a “TRUE FRIEND” is. Thought & prayers are for Tony right now. Let’s hope they caught it in time. Ronnie is no doubt watching over Tony as well. Also applaud your stance on animals. Any person or animal that has you as a friend is most definitely blessed. Take Care. DO write the lyrics for the new album.