Geezer Butler is Writing His Memoirs


In a new interview with legendary Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler spoke Ricky Aarons from Australia’s Wall Of Sound, in a new interview about how he is spending his time during the pandemic. According to the interview, Geezer lives in Los Angeles and has done some traveling, but mainly he is writing a memoir of his time growing up in the UK. You can read a quote from Geezer on this below. As we previously reported, Butler’s three solo albums — “Plastic Planet” (1995), “Black Science” (1997), and “Ohmwork” (2005) — will be made available for the first time ever on vinyl, with both CD and LP using newly updated cover artwork, via BMG on October 30.

Continue reading


Black Sabbath Bassist Geezer Butler’s Three 1990s Solo Albums Are Getting Reissued


All three of Geezer Butler’s 1990s solo albums apart from Black Sabbath reunions are getting reissued. Plastic Planet (1995), Black Science (1997), and Ohmwork (2005) will be avaialble on vinyl for the first time ever, with both CD and LP using newly updated cover artwork and all will be available via BMG on October 30. Plastic Planet featured Fear Factory vocalist Burton C. Bell, with its incendiary single “Drive Boy Shooting,” and is considered a highlight of that time. In an upcoming interview with Ghost Cult, Bell remarked that he would “jump at the chance” to make another GZR album. That interview is coming soon. Purchase the albums at the link below.

Continue reading


CLASSIC ALBUMS REVISITED: Black Sabbath – “Paranoid” Turns 50


 

With bands taking so much time between studio albums these days, it’s astonishing to believe that in the space of just three years, between 1970 and 1973, Brummie icons Black Sabbath released no less than five of the most important records in the annals of heavy metal.

Continue reading


Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund Celebrates Dio’s Birthday with Special Video from Fellow Legends



The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund (https://www.diocancerfund.org), founded in memory of the late rock legend, will commemorate what would have been Dio’s 78th birthday on July 10 with a video in which rock music celebrities talk about what Ronnie and his music has meant to them. Dio lost his months-long battle with gastric cancer 10 years ago, and the charity founded after his passing has raised more than $2 million to fight the disease that took his life. Largely compiled from red carpet interviews with celebrity guests at various Dio Cancer Fund events, including the 10th Anniversary Awards Gala held at the Avalon in Hollywood in February (see our coverage here) just before the pandemic shutdown, the video contains special video messages from Rob Halford and Geezer Butler, who were close friends of Dio’s. Among those also expressing their thoughts are Dave Grohl, Jack Black, Rudy Sarzo, Craig Goldy, Scott Warren, Simon Wright and Vinny Appice of the Dio band, Fred Coury, Robbie Crane and Ricky Warwick of Black Star Riders, Ahmet Zappa, Joey Vera, Glenn Hughes, Jeff Pilson, Doug Aldrich, Terry Ilous and Eddie Trunk, who hosts most of the Dio Cancer Fund events.Continue reading


CLASSIC ALBUMS REVISITED: Black Sabbath’s “Heaven And Hell” Turns 40


Black Sabbath, one of the greatest bands ever, was an act in transition as it entered the 1980s. Less than a year earlier they sacked their legendary lead singer Ozzy Osbourne and replaced him with equally great Ronnie James Dio, previously of Rainbow. The flailing former greats and the hungry vocalist reignited each others passion for Heavy Metal to create something incredible in Heaven and Hell (Vertigo/Warner Bros) The album not only gave the band a shot in the arm, but it also launched their second era with a bang, one their fans would never forget. Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Dio – Late Era Reissues


One thing every metal fan can agree on is the eternal majesty of Ronnie James Dio. Whether you liked his music or not (and if you didn’t, then why are you reading this?), the simple fact is that the man’s talent was unquestionable. Whether you preferred his solo work or his time with Rainbow, or Black Sabbath, (or for you picky little contrarians out there – The Electric Elves, Ronnie Dio and the Prophets, or Elf), the fact remains that there is still a gaping void in the world of metal, even now, nearly ten years(!) after his death.Continue reading


EVENT RECAP: Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund Commemorates 10th Anniversary with Awards Gala and Concert


The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, founded in memory of the late rock music legend, commemorated the 10th anniversary of his passing and the formation of the charity with its 10th Anniversary Memorial Awards Gala held on February 20, 2020 at the Avalon Hollywood. Hosted Eddie Trunk (That Metal Show, SiriusXM Trunk Nation), the organization recognized honorees in eight categories—each named after songs written by Ronnie James Dio–who have played a role in either Dio’s legacy or that of the charity. Live entertainment was provided by Ronnie James Dio’s live band Dio, featuring vocalists Tim “Ripper” Owens and Oni Logan, and band members Simon Wright, Craig Goldy, Scott Warren and Bjorn Englen, and highlighted by the vocals and visuals of Ronnie James Dio. Los Angeles comedian Brian Posehn, in addition, his comedic duties, performed a song from his upcoming GRANDPA METAL album accompanied by Scott Ian (Anthrax) and Joey Vera (Armored Saint, Fates Warning), while local rockers Sadie & the Tribe opened the festivities with their set. Check out these EXCLUSIVE photos by Tyler Kanode of Brilliant Reverie Photography. Continue reading


CLASSIC ALBUMS REVISITED: Black Sabbath’s Genre Defining Debut Turns 50


Black Sabbath in 1970, photo by Warner Brothers Records

On the sleeve: a grainy picture of a woman dressed in black. A stagnant pond. A creepy looking mill house.

And two words. Black Sabbath.

On the record: Rain. Thunder. A tolling bell. Those three notes. That voice.

And just like that, in February of 1970 – appropriately enough on the 13th – the face of music was changed forever.

Continue reading


Surviving Members of Rush Comment on Neil Peart’s Death, Other Rockers React


As new spreads around the globe of the passing of drumming and Progressive Music Giant Neil Peart, reactions have been swift and the outpouring deep. Beginning with a statement from Rush band members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, many icons of the music world themselves, including many great Canadians, commented on the profound impact Peart had on us all. Fans have joined in the world over with their tributes as well. We’ll have more information about this tragic and terrible loss for the music world as it develops. Continue reading


SOS Fest XII – Part I: Live at The Longfield Suite


Time for one of the highlights of my year, the rather excellent SOS festival. A festival envisioned 12 years ago by Lynne Hampson of Rocksector Records as an antidote to the plethora of family un-friendly festivals around at the time. Continue reading