The original Black Sabbath – Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward - have reunited to record their first new studio album in 33 years with producer Rick Rubin and to embark on a massive world tour in 2012.
Henry Rollins did an intro speech outlining, passionately, the history of the UK legends and the personal connection it made to him as a young man in the 70s.
Iommi answered the basic question - why now? "It's now or never,” he said. “We are getting along great. Everything's really good.”
“It was just time,” replied Ozzy, “We couldn’t do it any earlier; we tried when we did the reunion before but it didn’t work, but this time - for some magical reason - we’ve written about 7 or 8 songs, so far, and they’re really good. I’m not just saying that, I’m like ‘Whoa!’
Rubin joined Sabbath at the event, and Rollins asked the band whose idea it was to bring the legendary producer on board.
“It was Rick - he kept phoning us up every five minutes,” explained Iommi. “We couldn’t stop him.”
Black Sabbath – press conference
Henry Rollins speech / band Q&A
Whisky A Go Go – Hollywood, CA – November 11, 2011
Black Sabbath – press conference
Revolver TV report
Whisky A Go Go – Hollywood, CA – November 11, 2011
Black Sabbath – press conference
KLOS Los Angeles report
Whisky A Go Go – Hollywood, CA – November 11, 2011
See also:
Black Sabbath reunion brings new album, world tour
Black Sabbath Countdown Clock posted
Reunited Black Sabbath rehearsed at Ozzy’s house