Black Sabbath: Symptom of the Universe: Symptom of the Universe
Pay over time for orders over $35.00 with
Black Sabbath: Symptom of the Universe - The Definitive Biography
Decades before reality television was invented, Ozzy Osbourne was subversive and dark. Ozzy was the singer in the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, and they meant business. In an era when rock bands were measured by how 'heavy' they were, no one was weightier than Black Sabbath. All four founding members of the original Black Sabbath grew up within half-a-mile of each other in a tiny Birmingham suburb. Though all shared a deep love of music--The Beatles for Ozzy, the Mothers of Invention for Geezer, the Shadows and Chet Atkins for Iommi, and Gene Kruppa for Ward-- they formed their group "as the quickest way out of the slums." This is the story of how they made that dream come true--and how it then turned into a nightmare for all of them. At the height of their fame, Sabbath discovered they'd been so badly ripped off by their managers they didn't even own their own songs. They looked for salvation from Don Arden--an even more notorious gangster figure, who resurrected their career but still left them indebted to him, financially and personally. It finally came to a head when in 1979 they sacked Ozzy: "For being too out of control--even for us," as Bill Ward put it. The next fifteen years were a war between the post-Ozzy Sabbath and Ozzy himself, whose solo career overshadowed Sabbath so much that a reunion was entirely on his terms. Or rather, those of his wife and manager--to add a further bitter twist for Sabbath, daughter of Don Arden --Sharon Osbourne.
What Makes This Biography Essential
Written by renowned rock journalist Mick Wall, this hardcover edition delivers unprecedented insight into one of heavy metal's most influential bands. Wall chronicles the complete trajectory from their working-class Birmingham origins through their rise as pioneers of heavy metal, the financial exploitation by management, internal conflicts, Ozzy's controversial firing, and the eventual reunion orchestrated by Sharon Osbourne.
Inside the Pages
This comprehensive account examines the personal and professional relationships that defined Black Sabbath's legacy. From Tony Iommi's guitar innovations to Geezer Butler's dark lyrics, Bill Ward's thunderous drumming to Ozzy's iconic vocals, Wall captures the chemistry that created the blueprint for heavy metal. The book details the band's struggles with substance abuse, management corruption, and the bitter legal battles that nearly destroyed their legacy.
MICK WALL is the UK's best-known rock writer. He is also a TV and radio broadcaster. His work has appeared in a variety of publications, including Classic Rock, Mojo and the London Times. He has written a dozen rock biographies, including books on Led Zeppelin, Guns 'n' Roses and Metallica. He lives in England.
Free shipping on orders over $75. Standard shipping takes 3-7 business days. Returns accepted within 30 days of purchase.
Black Sabbath: Symptom of the Universe - The Definitive Biography
Decades before reality television was invented, Ozzy Osbourne was subversive and dark. Ozzy was the singer in the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, and they meant business. In an era when rock bands were measured by how 'heavy' they were, no one was weightier than Black Sabbath. All four founding members of the original Black Sabbath grew up within half-a-mile of each other in a tiny Birmingham suburb. Though all shared a deep love of music--The Beatles for Ozzy, the Mothers of Invention for Geezer, the Shadows and Chet Atkins for Iommi, and Gene Kruppa for Ward-- they formed their group "as the quickest way out of the slums." This is the story of how they made that dream come true--and how it then turned into a nightmare for all of them. At the height of their fame, Sabbath discovered they'd been so badly ripped off by their managers they didn't even own their own songs. They looked for salvation from Don Arden--an even more notorious gangster figure, who resurrected their career but still left them indebted to him, financially and personally. It finally came to a head when in 1979 they sacked Ozzy: "For being too out of control--even for us," as Bill Ward put it. The next fifteen years were a war between the post-Ozzy Sabbath and Ozzy himself, whose solo career overshadowed Sabbath so much that a reunion was entirely on his terms. Or rather, those of his wife and manager--to add a further bitter twist for Sabbath, daughter of Don Arden --Sharon Osbourne.
What Makes This Biography Essential
Written by renowned rock journalist Mick Wall, this hardcover edition delivers unprecedented insight into one of heavy metal's most influential bands. Wall chronicles the complete trajectory from their working-class Birmingham origins through their rise as pioneers of heavy metal, the financial exploitation by management, internal conflicts, Ozzy's controversial firing, and the eventual reunion orchestrated by Sharon Osbourne.
Inside the Pages
This comprehensive account examines the personal and professional relationships that defined Black Sabbath's legacy. From Tony Iommi's guitar innovations to Geezer Butler's dark lyrics, Bill Ward's thunderous drumming to Ozzy's iconic vocals, Wall captures the chemistry that created the blueprint for heavy metal. The book details the band's struggles with substance abuse, management corruption, and the bitter legal battles that nearly destroyed their legacy.
MICK WALL is the UK's best-known rock writer. He is also a TV and radio broadcaster. His work has appeared in a variety of publications, including Classic Rock, Mojo and the London Times. He has written a dozen rock biographies, including books on Led Zeppelin, Guns 'n' Roses and Metallica. He lives in England.