Black Sabbath Revival

Black Sabbath's grandeous European tour leg passes as a hurricane over the biggest cities of the old continent. Packed venues, complete sold out gigs. This is Sabbath revival.

After the big success in Sweden, our boys played a great gig in Berlin. After Soundgarden's opening act, familiar sound of sirens and church bells and massive Iommi riff exploded the Kindl Buhne arena. One of Sabbath's main characteristics alive is their superfine sound, extremely heavy and cristal clean. No other band on Earth have such a sound, that lets the fans on the first rows enjoy its incredible heaviness without suffering hearing damage. Black Sabbath's live sound engineering is remarkable. 

Majestic stage presence is another quality proper of Sabbath boys. Charismatic Ozzy Osbourne, Prince of Darkness, lordly Geezer Butler and divine, regal Tony Iommi make a complete picture. Scary sound and doomy atmosphere, images of mentally ill beating in convulsions, suicide nuns, burning churches... it's more actual than ever, it's mature Sabbath, wise Sabbath, experienced Sabbath. 

Being myself present at Berlin gig, I was particularly struck by reaction of the people that attended the concert for the first time in their life. They were absolutely shocked! Their faces were overwhelmed by happiness and, I would say almost, ecstatic astonishment. 

Our lovely friend and member of community Agnieszka Kras assisted to the gig in Lodz, Poland, 11 June. She was so kind to write a review of the concert, which we happy to publish here, as well as her great pictures of Tony:

 "It's hard to describe how I feel after long hours of waiting for Black Sabbath next to Atlas Arena in Łódź. Four hours in sun with a little bottle of water and after that next three hours waiting for support which I didn't like really. 

Sabbs started their gig at 21:00 GMT+1, as everybody know the setlist is unchangable on that tour but it's perfect anyway. When I heard the sirens it was one of the best moments in my life, then guys started War Pigs, curtain came up and the show has begun. Crowd was insane everyone were screaming with Ozzy "Generals gathered in their masseeees!!!". 

After that came time for superheavy Into The Void. I just love Tony's poses when he plays riffs of it.   Mesmerizing... Next was Under The Sun – m a d n e s s! Everyone were jumping and  „going f*ckin' crazy!!!” as Ozzy would say. Snowblind was a poetry, I sang along with Ozzy and with Tony's riffs. Great work of guys responsible for lights, headlights were imitating the sun and when I was looking up I really felt like „lying snowblind in the sun”. Then came a time for Age Of Reason – when Tony started a riff it was like real strike of thunder and his solo, amazing!!!   

Next song was evil Black Sabbath... My hand couldnt resist and I played my air guitar with Tony... and again! His solo just made me high! Had the goosebumps  when Ozzy was screaming „OH NO PLEASE GOD HELP ME!!!”. After that – Behind The Wall of sleep. Tony laughed because people were singing the riff with him playing, so adorable. 

NIB was for me one of the best performances ever! Epic intro of Geez with a part played higher, genial! People were screaming with Ozzy and having a great time. Next was End Of The Beginning... Tony again blew my head  away. After jumping on a second riff of it, solo was just incredible. Fairies Wear Boots – next stop, as a one person from the barrier, 1st row I can say that my neck achieved weird level of flexibility, the greatest headbang ever! Rat Salad mixed with Supernaut and finished as massive Tommy's drum solo was spectacular, really I woulnd't be ashamed to say that Tommy is 2nd John Bohnam, I'm sorry those who complain about him but guys... how can you complain about such a great drummer!? 

Next was Iron Man. I can't describe how I felt when Tommy started hitting the rythm. Tony walked through the stage brandishing his hand in the air and smiling widely. I could write about that performance giant essay... it was just a majestic earthquake! The same I would say about glorious God Is Dead? It was so powerfull and when the faster riff came people were insane. Great solo of Tony without wahwah.  Talking about solos... but the greatest of them all for me was Dirty Women. I have no idea how Tony did it. I stayed in front of him during it and I was just speechless. Only things I could say were... “how the f...”. I have recorded it so soon you'll can see it from my perspective. 

Children Of The Grave – feel the power of headbang! People were singing along to riff making Tony laugh. After that they left the stage. Crowd went insane again everyone were screaming “ONE MORE SONG!!!” and guys came out back to play Paranoid with intro of Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. 

On any gig on which I was before I hadn't had such a great fun. Sabbath have great contact with audience and do everything with pure passion. Seeing Tony smiling through the all gig was just heartmelting. 

Before the gig I prepared a fast “flag” which I've cut from the back of my old white tshirt. I haven't had much time so did it quick. Wrote with a marker “DR. IOMMI IS MY IRON MAN”... You can not imagine how I felt when I expanded it during hearing the sirene and when the curtain came up and a first thing what Tony saw was me with that. He smiled widely and pointed at me! I expanded it also later on Iron Man and Ozzy pointed at me too. 

About Ozzy... everyone knows his bucket. I tried to take a photo of Tony because he standed so close and was looking at me. Then I felt something weird... people were looking on the left and just when I turned my head I saw the water flying out of his bucket straight on me and a person next to me. I got baptised by Ozz!!! It was such a great feeling after whole day of waiting in terrible heat. After Paranoid Tony threw his picks to us. He did a funny thing because when he was throwing next to me he actualy... threw them all to me! Looked at me smiled and just threw. Picks were flying around, 4 or five bounced from me and I tought that I'll die. I didnt catch any of them! They all landed under security's shoes. Guys were nice and gave them to us. Tall men next to me got 2 and gave me one. Good guy! I hugged him and even kissed his cheek, he laughed and said “You're welcome.”, I walked around and singing Zeitgeist to find Geezer's picks too but people sweeped the floor.

 To sum up: Black Sabbath gave incredible show in Łódź. Ozzy said someting about NEXT gig in Poland, so we all now have a hope that Hyde Park won't be their last show, we pray for that. Gig in Atlas Arena was the best gig of my life and I will never forget that massive vibe and passion of guys on the stage. That was an earthquake, huge earthquake! 13 in Richter's magnitude scale!"
What we can add?  How lucky we all are to have an awesome opportunity to assist to such high quality music performances in our decadent times! It's a real joy to see huge crowds of young generations of Sabbath fans, and fathers and grandfathers bringing youngsters to see their eternal idols. Black Sabbath gig isn't only an epic experience, but a lifechanging moment for many people. Without doubt, Sabbath is the most influential, enduring and spellbinding musical phenomenon in heavy music of all time. From here to eternity - Sabbath rules! 

14 June 2014

Photos by Agnieszka Kras

Tony Iommi becomes Visiting Professor at Coventry university

Guitar Superstar Tony Iommi is already the master of the riff, but now, the heavy metal God is now a music professor at Coventry University!

Last year, Iommi was awarded with an Honorary Doctorate of Arts by Coventry University “in recognition of his contribution to the world of popular music.” These honorary doctorates are usually awarded simply to show appreciation, but Coventry have taken Iommi’s affiliation with them to the next level. Iommi has officially been appointed as a Visiting Professor of Music.

With his new role, Iommi actually carried out his first official engagement on campus in May, imparting the shredder’s own wisdom upon students. 

“To watch Tony interact with the students was an absolute privilege,” says Dr. Geoff Willcocks, Coventry University’s Director of Arts and Culture. “He was incredibly generous and open with them about all aspects of his work. Tony is without doubt a rock icon and he’s an inspiration to so many people around the world.  It’s wonderful to have such an important and respected international figure working with us.”

Dr. Sara Reed, Head of Department for Performing Arts at the University, adds, “It is a tremendous honour to have Tony here with us as a Visiting Professor. His huge wealth of experience and musical knowledge is beyond value to our students. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to learn from such an immensely talented individual and all in the department sincerely look forward to working with Tony in the future.”

Tony Iommi plans to return to Coventry for the fall semester to work directly with some extremely lucky students on their songwriting and composition skills.

Graham Hartmann for Loudwire, 6 June 2014

Photo Coventry university

Black Sabbath's Russian triumph

For the first time in rock history, the Original Black Sabbath line up toured Russia, playing triumphant complete sold out gigs in Moscow's Olympic Stadium and Ice Palace in St. Petersburg 31 May and 3 June 2014. Below is an enthusiastic article from a Russian newspaper:

After series of successful concerts in North and South America, Australia and Asia, monsters of rock Black Sabbath has announced the European leg of the tour.

The concert in Moscow on 1 June 2014, at Olympic stadium was one of the most important shows of the world tour 2013-2014 in support of the band's last studio album, recorded by original line up for the first time in 35 years. The album "13" is literally "blew up" the charts of radio stations in thirteen countries of the world, including the United States.

For over three decades, rock/metal fans worldwide were waiting for original Sabbath reunion, but few people could have foreseen such a glorious return, with a new album and concert tour. 

The new album includes compositions, such as "God is dead?" , "End of the Beginning" and "Lоner" that have already become hits. There is no doubt that with the new album legendary rockers from Birmingham have established their strong leadership position in the world of hard and heavy, and justified their status as fathers - creators of heavy metal. Black Sabbath sold over 70 million copies of records around the world. 

Legendary vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, bassist Terry Geezer Butler and Sabbath's primary composer Guitar Superstar Tony Iommi, started the world tour 2013 on 20 April. European tour leg coincides with the release of DVD and Blu-ray "Black Sabbath: Live ... Gаthered in their masses". Record was made on 29 April and 1 May 2013 in Melbourne and includes the first concert version songs from the album "13", as well as the band's classic hits. 

A couple of years ago it was observed that rock group from Moscow Command BAG and British heavy metal pioneers Black Sabbath are linked by a mysterious ties. And in our physical world this mystique came out with a real fact: Command BAG was honoured to open Black Sabbath's Moscow gig at Olympic stadium . Command BAG were selected to their role as a warm up band by Black Sabbath's severe management.

Check out the photographs from the band's press conference in Moscow on our Facebook page TONY IOMMI Fan-Tastic. 

6 June 2014

Video footage Of Abu Dhabi press conference and concert

A video footage of Black Sabbath's May 28 press conference at the Shangri-La Hotel in Abu Dhabi was recently uploaded by Gulf News TV, United Arab Emirates ahead of the band's concert Thursday night at du Arena, Yas Island. 

Tony Iommi said that the massive July 4 gig at London's Hyde Park could be the band's last because the touring can be tough on him: "To be honest I don't want to be touring to this extent too much longer, because it makes me feel so bad."

Geezer Butler, thinks that the threesome already have a head start on a new record, explaining, "We've still got four tracks left over from '13'. So maybe we'll fill in the other four or five tracks and put out another album — if it's right. We wouldn't do it just for the sake of it, or the money or whatever. But yeah, maybe."

Ozzy added, "I never say never. I never thought after 35 years I'd have a No. 1 record and a sold-out tour."

Abu Dhabi gig setlist:

*War Pigs 

*Into the Void 

*Under the Sun/Every Day Comes and Goes 

*Snowblind 

*Age of Reason 

*Black Sabbath 

*Behind the Wall of Sleep 

*N.I.B. (Preceded by "Bassically" … more)

*End of the Beginning 

*Fairies Wear Boots 

*Rat Salad (with Drum Solo)

*Iron Man 

*God Is Dead? 

*Dirty Women 

*Children of the Grave 

Encore:*Paranoid (with "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" intro)

Watch the fanmade videos of Abu Dhabi gig below:

Photo Iommi.com

31 May 2014

Tony says: Hyde Park could be Sabbath's last gig

Tony Iommi has told Metal Hammer that Black Sabbath's headline appearance at the Barclaycard British Summer Time festival at London's Hyde Park might be the British metal institution's final gig.

The July 4 show, the closing date on the band's summer 2014 tour, will see Sabbath headline above Soundgarden, Faith No More, Motorhead and Soulfly on the festival's main stage. And according to Iommi, it could be the end of the road for the legendary band.

"It could be the last ever Sabbath show,” the guitarist admits. “I don't want it to be, but there's nothing really planned touring-wise after that show, so for all we know that could be it really. To be honest I don't want to be touring to this extent too much longer, because it makes me feel so bad.”

Tony Iommi has been undergoing medical treatment since being diagnosed with lymphoma in January 2012. The guitarist completed his treatment in March and is now awaiting an update on his condition.

"I'm at a stage now where I have no support, which means I have to see whether the cancer is coming back or if it's still there or what,” he says. “I just don't know. It's a bit of a worry. After we finish this tour I'll go in and have scan, so we'll see what that shows up. But the show at Hyde Park will a great way to end the European tour,” he says. “It has a really great bill, with a really good mix of people. We haven't made any specific plans as the gig is a way off yet, but I think it'll be special.” 

Paul Brannigan for Metal Hammer, 14 May 2014

LA Hollywood Bowl gig footage, American tour leg is over

Fan-filmed video footage of Black Sabbath's April 26 concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California can be seen below.

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. War Pigs 

02. Into The Void 

03. Under The Sun 

04. Snowblind 

05. Age Of Reason 

06. Black Sabbath 

07. Behind The Wall Of Sleep 

08. N.I.B. 

09. End Of The Beginning 

10. Fairies Wear Boots 

11. Rat Salad (with "Supernaut" instrumental and Drum Solo)

12. Iron Man 

13. God Is Dead? 

14. Dirty Women 

15. Children Of The Grave

Encore:

16. Paranoid (with "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" intro)

Finally the North American tour leg is over, and our boys are back home. We wish the Master a good relax, and can't wait to see him playing European dates! 

Nice holidays at home, Tony and Sabbath!  The tour will start 29 May with Abu Dhabi gig, then - Russia and Scandinavian countries. 

God bless you, Great Lefty!

\\m//  \\m//

Photo Iommi.com

Revolver Golden Gods 2014 see our boys get Album of the Year!

The Revolver Golden Gods Awards took place Wednesday night, April 23 at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, where our Tony in behalf of Black Sabbath was awarded Album of the Year for "13".

CONGRATULATIONS DEAR TONY! 

YOUR FANS ARE IMMENSELY HAPPY TO SEE YOU BRING HOME ANOTHER AWARD! 

ROCK ON IRON MAN!  

\\m//   \\m//

Photo Iommi.com

Tony Iommi talks about the future

Our Tony spoke to Absolute Radio ahead of the band playing British Summertime @ Hyde Park later this year. On great form Tony Iommi told that he was looking forward to the event, gave an update on his cancer treatment and new album possibilities.

"- How did you feel when you were asked to do this?

- Well, I mean, it’s great, it’s really great to be playing in England again anyway. But, to do that gig is a legendary gig, and we’ve never done that, so that’s really brilliant, another first in our lifetime, you know.

On cancer treatment:
- Everybody wants to know, how are you in yourself, how’s your health?

- It’s okay thanks. I’ve finished a treatment two years ago which I’ve been on for two years now, so now it’s just wait and see really. I mean, it’s not going to go away, I just have to try and control it, and they want to take me off the treatment now and see what happens. They’ll probably check me up again when I get back. I just have constant checks really and see if it’s growing or what, you know.

- But, you’ve still got the stamina to go on stage and everything like that?

- Yes, what tires me out more than everything is the travelling and the late hours really, I find that hard on my body at the moment. Maybe once I’ve been off the treatment a bit it might get a bit better, because I think the treatment drags me down and makes me very tired, and feeling sick and stuff. So, maybe now I’ve stopped for a while my stamina may come back.

- We’re all absolutely impressed that you are going through this treatment whilst performing, it’s just brilliant.

- Oh thanks, yes, well I don’t have any option, I have to have it, and I want to play, so you know, I just get on with it. When I told them at first that I was going to be touring they went, oh god, I mean, they were quite shocked thinking I would be going out on tour. But, you know, we’ve coped with it now for the last year so it’s been alright.

- That is brilliant. And, 50 years ago, when you first got signed, and you were first starting out, did you ever envisage that you’d be going all this time later, and then headlining at Hyde Park?

- No. You never really think of stuff like that, really all you think about is you want to get out and play, and you want to get to as many people as you can, and go as many places as you can. And, that was what we wanted to do, and try and conquer different territories and it’s brilliant, you know, and here we are going all the way round and back in England again.

On a new Black Sabbath album
- Are you going to be working on a new album?

- We don’t know yet. We’ve left everything really loose for the last couple of years, basically because of me. But, I think we’d like to do another album, but we’ll have to see. We’re going to finish this tour off, and no doubt within this tour we’ll be talking about if we’re going to do anymore of anything. But, I think an album would be great, although, you know, after the last one, it would probably be an anti-climax to have another one, I don’t know."

Tony is a true Hero. He worked for months writing an album, and is touring the whole world under chemotherapy treatment.  This is not a joke, guys. Not many people have such courage and determination. Tony is a masterpiece of a human being. God bless you Tony!  You are the one and only. 

VVN MUSIC, 17 April 2014

Photo by Ros O'Gorman

Tony and Sabbath boys rock Canada!

The glorious Black Sabbath tour is going on! The boys played gigs in Montreal QC, London ON, Hamilton ON, and Ottawa ON in Canada. That's what Ottawa Citizen writes about last night with Sabbath:

It was a massive night of metal at the Garage on Sunday as a mostly reunited Black Sabbath roared into town on the strength of the very successful disc 13, the band’s first studio album in many years.

Just seeing and hearing original members Tony Iommi, who has recently fought off cancer, Geezer Butler and Ozzy Osbourne back together again after several years apart might almost have been enough for some diehards, but for those looking for some entertainment, the band did not disappoint. Ozzy’s voice may have lost just a tiny bit of range as time and life have taken a toll, but no matter. Butler’s pounding bass and Iommi’s skilful guitar chops remain untarnished.

The essence of Sabbath is the hard-edged blues rock that they started with in the late 1960s and 13, the “new” album, has recaptured that more-stripped-down style. It has been surprisingly popular, rising to become the band’s first No. 1. It should not come as too much of a surprise that the band credits the respected producer Rick Rubin with the direction of the disc. There is, at the essence of any great band, something elemental that can capture an audience and keep that following over the decades, expanding it even to a new generation. We are talking 45 years in the case of Black Sabbath, which emerged from the working class streets of Birmingham in industrial-strength Britain.

Sunday night they played some songs from the new disc including stomping out Age of Reason, End of the Beginning and God Is Dead?

But most fans were primed for the hits and Black Sabbath knows where the bread is buttered. So they opened with a raunchy version of War Pigs, with the pumped-up audience of 13,000 standing and singing like a massive chorus, and then featured throughout the show such goodies as Into the Void, Fairies Wear Boots, Black Sabbath (featuring a crowd full of flicked lighters) and a slamming version of Iron Man. The night ended with a rocking version of Paranoid.

The evening opened with a dexterous performance by the Saskatoon native Jordan Cook, a.k.a. Reignwolf. The young man pounded on a kick drum and wielded a seriously mean guitar. He stepped that way up during a solo stint when he hammered on a set of drums while simultaneously playing his axe. Reignwolf provided the perfect start for a full evening meal of the heavy stuff.

In the end though, there was no doubt — on Sunday night, Black Sabbath ruled.

By Peter Robb for Ottawa Citizen, 14 April 2014

Photo by Alexander John McWatters