The iconic heavy metal band Black Sabbath's origin story is surprisingly humble, stemming from a simple note left in a Birmingham music shop. Founding member Geezer Butler, in a recent interview, recounted how he stumbled upon a message that read "Ozzy Zig needs a gig" while searching for a new vocalist after his previous band disbanded. This led him to a young, head-shaven Ozzy Osbourne, who appeared at Butler's door the following day, ready to make music.
Although other band members, Bill Ward and Tony Iommi, were initially hesitant due to their prior acquaintance with Osbourne, Butler's persistence and Osbourne's promise to "grow his hair" and his claim of owning a PA system convinced them. With the lineup complete, the quartet started playing blues music at any venue that would have them. They soon transitioned to writing their own material, and within a year, in 1969, Black Sabbath was officially born.
Their journey involved a few name changes, starting as the Polka Tulk Blues Band, then Earth, before finally adopting the moniker Black Sabbath, inspired by a Boris Karloff film. A decade of groundbreaking music followed, but Osbourne's struggles with substance abuse led to his dismissal from the band. This, however, propelled him into a remarkably successful solo career.
Osbourne has since reflected on his time with Black Sabbath, acknowledging the band's often negative critical reception but emphasizing the strong connection with their fans. He has also spoken about his dismissal, initially feeling betrayed but later expressing a sense of familial bond with his former bandmates. Despite the past turmoil, the legacy of Black Sabbath remains powerful, and Osbourne's upcoming headlining show marks a significant return to the stage after announcing his retirement earlier this year.
