- They Were Originally Called “Earth”
Before adopting the name Black Sabbath, the band went by the name Earth and played blues-influenced rock. They changed it to avoid confusion with another band of the same name. - Their Name Was Inspired by a Horror Movie
The band got the name “Black Sabbath” from a 1963 Boris Karloff horror film. Geezer Butler noted how people pay to be scared, so they decided to create music that evoked fear and darkness. - Tony Iommi Lost Fingertips Before Sabbath Took Off
Guitarist Tony Iommi lost the tips of two fingers in an industrial accident on his last day at a sheet metal factory. He forged his own prosthetic tips and detuned his guitar, helping to shape Sabbath’s heavy, sludgy sound. - Ozzy Osbourne’s Real Name Isn’t Ozzy
Ozzy’s birth name is John Michael Osbourne. “Ozzy” was a nickname given to him in school that just stuck. - Bill Ward Sang Lead on a Few Tracks
Though primarily the drummer, Bill Ward actually sang lead vocals on songs like “It’s Alright” (from Technical Ecstasy) and “Swinging the Chain” (from Never Say Die!). - “Paranoid” Was a Last-Minute Filler Track
The band wrote the iconic song “Paranoid” in about 25 minutes to fill space on the album of the same name. It went on to become their biggest hit. - Their First Album Was Recorded in a Single Day
The band recorded their self-titled debut album, Black Sabbath (1970), in just one 12-hour session, with virtually no overdubs. - They Created Heavy Metal Without Knowing How to Read Music
None of the original members were classically trained musicians. Tony Iommi especially relied on improvisation and feeling, which contributed to their raw, unpolished, and revolutionary sound.9 - They Have a Blue Plaque in Birmingham
In 2019, the city of Birmingham unveiled a Black Sabbath “heavy metal bench” with statues of the original lineup and a blue heritage plaque, officially recognizing the band’s role in the city’s cultural legacy — just like the Beatles in Liverpool. - 10. They Have a Bridge Named After Them
In 2019, Birmingham officially renamed a bridge “Black Sabbath Bridge near Broad Street. It’s part of a walk of fame route where fans can visit a bench with statues of the original lineup. It’s a full-on metal pilgrimage site.