Black Sabbath – The End
by Pete Clemons
Black Sabbath's self-titled debut album, released in 1970, is today widely considered a landmark in the history of heavy metal, despite initial mixed reviews. While some critics found it conventional blues rock with a 'bad boy' sound.
And with news that Black Sabbath were to play a final epic gig at Villa Park has naturally surfaced the memories of former band members of Coventry's Indian Summer who, along with Earth/Black Sabbath were, back in 1969, both under the wing of Birmingham's music mogul, the legendary Jim Simpson.
Indian Summer keyboard player Bob Jackson recalled 'The news that Black Sabbath are playing their last gig in Birmingham today prompted some happy memories.
Got to know the guys pretty well way back in the last 60's, when I was in my first recording band, 'Indian Summer' - before their name change from 'Earth'. We were signed to the same management and record team too. But, as history will attest, Sabbath went mega whilst Indian Summer lasted only one album. That's Show -Business!! Have a brilliant show, guys. Mission very much accomplished'!!
That led drummer Paul Hooper to respond 'Yes Bob..i remember those days well..especially carrying your Hammond up the stairs at Henry's Blues House..On occasion we let them use our gear before they hit the big time. However, I think the big difference between them going mega and we falling at the first hurdle was Don Arden.
I did ask Bob for any other outstanding memories 'We played on the same bill with them many times, and as Paul H. reminded me, they even used our gear in the early Earth stage. They were all easy to get on with. I remember chatting with Ozzie several times, including once at the Marquee before the show. We went round to Ozzie's terraced house, in the early days and discussed whether Jim Simpson was the right guy for us to sign with. Based on that conversation we signed. But soon after, found that Sabbath were leaving Simpson for Don Arden. That move to heavy management certainly worked for them'.
Back to that first Black Sabbath album which has been praised for its powerful riffs, inventive basslines, and Ozzy Osbourne's unique vocals, creating a distinctive and influential sound. The album's dark themes and heavy, blues-infused rock laid the foundation for a new genre.
In fact the only quotes or reviews I can find find at the time of its release gave it short thrift. 'Aggressive doomy music from a very popular Birmingham based band who are well into black magic. Heavy going'.
Music Now said: 'we strongly advise those of a nervous disposition NOT, repeat NOT to listen alone.
Due to the fact that Black Sabbath had jumped straight into the charts at number 23, it was only a matter of weeks that the largely ignored record was soon attracting the attention of the more well known music papers of the day.
One noted: Black Sabbath, four unknown rock musicians from Birmingham have emerged from obscurity with what is probably the first true underground success since the days of Pink Floyd and the UFO.
Without mass media exposure the Birmingham band now find themselves with a best selling first album, sold on the strength of their hard rock sound which has built them a fanatical following in isolated areas.
As Black Sabbath the group have worked steadily in Britain and on the continent building up an increased following wherever they appear. At Birmingham's Henry's Blues House recently they broke Jethro Tull's attendance record which had lasted for over a year.
It's in Birmingham that the group are the biggest draw. Their reputation has spread from there through their live appearances and a solitary Top Gear session they did before Christmas 69 and the release of their Vertigo album which is still making progress in the chart.
The album is an accurate reflection of their music, hard, driving and blues based with lyrics that have been influenced by black magic, a subject they have become interested in since changing their name from Earth.
Just a few months later during 1970 and Black Sabbath had released their next album, Paranoid, where further chart success was gained. From then on the band were almost unstoppable.
Music Now said: 'we strongly advise those of a nervous disposition NOT, repeat NOT to listen alone.
Due to the fact that Black Sabbath had jumped straight into the charts at number 23, it was only a matter of weeks that the largely ignored record was soon attracting the attention of the more well known music papers of the day.
One noted: Black Sabbath, four unknown rock musicians from Birmingham have emerged from obscurity with what is probably the first true underground success since the days of Pink Floyd and the UFO.
Without mass media exposure the Birmingham band now find themselves with a best selling first album, sold on the strength of their hard rock sound which has built them a fanatical following in isolated areas.
As Black Sabbath the group have worked steadily in Britain and on the continent building up an increased following wherever they appear. At Birmingham's Henry's Blues House recently they broke Jethro Tull's attendance record which had lasted for over a year.
It's in Birmingham that the group are the biggest draw. Their reputation has spread from there through their live appearances and a solitary Top Gear session they did before Christmas 69 and the release of their Vertigo album which is still making progress in the chart.
The album is an accurate reflection of their music, hard, driving and blues based with lyrics that have been influenced by black magic, a subject they have become interested in since changing their name from Earth.
Just a few months later during 1970 and Black Sabbath had released their next album, Paranoid, where further chart success was gained. From then on the band were almost unstoppable.
