A whole lot of us grew up listening to hard rock and heavy metal and we all had that one personal favorite that gave us chills from its sounds and lyrics. Despite being a band that are now veterans in the music scene, they find a great appeal with younger audiences today. A band because of who many of us even took to playing an instrument with big dreams and a bigger inspiration. This band is none other than Black Sabbath – the pioneers of heavy metal. The band from their life long career in music has been there and done that (many times). Their timeless sound still sends shivers down spines while fueling a massive surge of excitement.
Metal Wani’s Roshan Machayya got an opportunity to speak with Geezer Butler- the man with the bass and a career as deep as his tone. Geezer Butler is a legend among bass players across time. His work with Black Sabbath has been instrumental in creating the dark and deep sounds it is famous for. A master in the rhythm section, Geezer Butler has been the inspiration behind a countless people to pick up the bass (including our Roshan himself). Here’s the entire conversation:
Greetings Mr. Butler and welcome to Metal Wani! How are you doing today?
Greetings to you. I am very well, Thank you!
Black Sabbath are poised to return to Australia in April, how are the preparations for this tour? What is the special about playing in Australia on a more personal note? What do you look forward while coming back to tour Australia?
We have recently finished the first leg of “The End” tour , in North America, so we have the set list ironed out and ready for Australia. I like the atmosphere in Australia, we always have a good time there and I like exploring the cities there and meeting the fans.
It is tragic that Five Finger Death Punch won’t be able to tour Australia with Black Sabbath due to certain reasons. being one among many bands that really looked up to Black Sabbath, how does it feel to have been on tour with bands that Black Sabbath have influenced and inspired to bring out their best?
It’s great to know that we have influenced so many bands; it’s the ultimate compliment for a musician.
Being veterans at tours, how has the band come to deal with the lesser thought of things that come with touring such as fatigue, staying away from family and relationships with band members?
We plan our tours so that we don’t get burnt out. We tour for a month or so then take a month off, so we are always fresh. As far as band relationships go, we have been together for almost 50 years, so we are better than brothers to each other.
With every passing show, how emotional is ‘The End’ tour for you and the band?
The final show is going to be very emotional, but it is better to go out on top than to drag it out to the bitter end. We are playing better than ever and yes it will be good to end on a positive note.
Looking back at Black Sabbath over the years and the experience, what do you personally take back that could be key lessons for bands that look up to you and for the future?
I’m glad that we never followed any particular trend; we always remained true to our particular music. If you love what you are doing in life it means more than anything else.
Would there be one last album by Black Sabbath that captures the energy, emotion, depth, intensity and everything that the band has been known for?
I think our last album, 13, represented all that we stand for.
From the perspective of being the band who are heavy metal pioneers, what would you envisage as the legacy that Black Sabbath will leave behind in its music, the experience of not just the band but its fans and of having been there and done that?
I think that we showed that you don’t have to be a favorite of the media critics to be successful. Our fans have been incredible; it’s great to see so many of them who have been with us from the beginning, and so many new fans. I would like to thank them all for giving us such an incredible life.
Thank you for your time, Mr. Butler and all the best for the upcoming shows and the future!
Thank you!
Black Sabbath The End Australia/New Zealand Tour Dates 2016
Friday, 15th April
Perth Arena, Perth
Tickets: Black Sabbath
Sunday, 17th April
Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
Tickets: Black Sabbath
Tuesday, 19th April
Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Tickets: Black Sabbath
Saturday, 23rd April
Allphones Arena, Sydney
Tickets: Black Sabbath
Monday, 25th April
Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
Tickets: Black Sabbath
Thursday, 28th April
Vector Arena, Auckland
Tickets: Black Sabbath
Saturday, 30th April
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Tickets: Black Sabbath