My Review (5 stars out of 5)
Following in the footsteps of two of his former bandmates, Black Sabbath bassist and lyricist Geezer Butler adds to the biography of the world’s first heavy metal band. Selling more than 70 million records, the band influenced thousands of musicians, including Judas Priest, Metallica, Guns ‘n’ Roses, and Iron Maiden.
I got into Black Sabbath around 1975 when one of my mates played me their first album. Learning some of the guitar riffs and bass lines from songs like NIB and The Wizard, I became fascinated with heavy metal music. Beginning with his childhood in Aston, Birmingham, Geezer Butler recalls how his interest in horror, religion and the occult influenced his take on song writing, including classics like Behind the Wall of Sleep, from Sabbath’s first album. It’s fair to say the musician isn’t the most eloquent of writers but he tells his down-to-earth story with honesty and insight. There may be differences in his version of some events but given that the original line-up got together way back in 1968, that’s hardly surprising. Covering the band’s years of songwriting, recordings, touring and fighting each other, this is an entertaining and insightful look at one of rock music’s most talented musicians.
A must-read for metal fans everywhere.
Colin Garrow 