Does anyone know the line- up history of Black Sabbath?

Question

I know Ozzy started and Ozzy's with them now, but what happened in between? Also no one just giving an answer saying 'Can't help you there', as that isn't an answer. Thanks.

Answer 1

Members:

Ozzy Osbourne
Tony Iommi
Geezer Butler
Bill Ward

Past members:

Ronnie James Dio
Vinny Appice
Ian Gillan
Geoff Nicholls
Tony Martin
Cozy Powell (Deceased)
Neil Murray
Bobby Rondinelli
Laurence Cottle
Terry Chimes
Jo Burt
Bob Daisley
Bev Bevan
Dave Spitz
Eric Singer
Glenn Hughes
David Donato
Ray Gillen (Deceased)

It didn't say what they played, but Ozzy sang, Toni did guitar, Geezer did bass guitar and Bill did drums. That's all I know.

Answer 2

1960s
Black Sabbath formed in Birmingham, England in 1968 under the name Polka Tulk Blues Band (soon shortened to "Polka Tulk"), and later Earth, playing blues rock and hard rock.

Black Sabbath has a unique sound that emerged from diverse influences. Iommi was greatly influenced both by Hank Marvin's playing on Cliff Richard and the Shadows' heavy-guitar based recordings and by jazz guitar, particularly that of Django Reinhardt.[3]Tony Iommi left earth/black sabbath for a short time to tour with Jethro tull and is seen playing with Jethro Tull on the rolling stones rock N roll circus. Ward has also expressed a fondness for jazz music, especially drummers like Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa.[4] Geezer Butler cites bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce of British blues band Cream as a major influence on him: “He was the first player I ever saw who bent the strings and played the bass as a totally independent instrument”.[5] Early incarnations of Black Sabbath merged elements of blues, jazz, and rock and paid their dues playing cover versions of songs by heavy rock acts including Jimi Hendrix, Blue Cheer, and the previously mentioned Cream. Osbourne says he was deeply influenced by The Beatles and his favourite album of all time is Revolver.[6]

Earth moved in a darker direction when their bassist, Geezer Butler, a fan of the black magic novels of Dennis Wheatley, wrote an occult-themed song titled "Black Sabbath" (the song name was apparently inspired by a 1963 Mario Bava film) (in their reunion concert film, the band stated that the song is based on an experience Butler had one night when he saw a black object at the end of his bed and noticed the next day that an occult book Osbourne had given him was missing). When the band found themselves being confused with another local band called Earth, they adopted the song title as their new name.

Answer 3

The first three albums after Ozzy (HEAVEN AND HELL, MOB RULES, AND LIVE EVIL) had Ronnie James Dio on vocals, Vinnie Appice played drums live for the HEAVEN AND HELL and MOB RULES tour and thus appears on LIVE EVIL; Dio was replaced by Ian Gillan for BORN AGAIN, Ward was replaced by Bev Bevan . Glenn Hughes replaced Gillan for SEVENTH STAR. Dio was back for DEHUMANIZER, with Appice on drums.

that'll get you started

Answer 4

I'm not gonna say that, but allmusic.com should have the WHOLE bio on the group including who's who and who came first.

Hope this helps!

Answer 5

http://www.black-sabbath.com/stuff/sabbathfaq.txt

You'll find all you need to know.