Recent Update:Black Sabbath Legend TONY IOMMI…read more
Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi, founding members of the legendary band Black Sabbath, recently revealed the intriguing origins of one of heavy metal’s most famous riffs. The dark and foreboding riff that opens their iconic track “Black Sabbath” was inspired by an unexpected source: classical orchestral music.
Tony Iommi explained how he had been exploring ominous musical tones when he came across the tritone, often called “the devil’s interval” due to its unsettling and tense sound. “I was listening to classical music and heard this eerie combination of notes. It felt dark and dramatic, and I knew it was exactly what we needed for our sound,” he shared.
Butler added, “From the moment Tony played it, it resonated with the dark themes and energy we wanted to convey. It was haunting and felt like it captured the essence of the band.”
The groundbreaking riff became the centerpiece of “Black Sabbath,” the opening track on their 1970 self-titled debut album. Its sinister atmosphere, combined with thunderous instrumentation and eerie lyrics, marked the birth of heavy metal and set a template for the genre.
Black Sabbath’s ability to find inspiration in unexpected places, like classical music, highlights their innovative approach to crafting music. The riff, built on the unsettling tritone, became a defining feature of their sound and a symbol of heavy metal’s darker, heavier tone.
Decades later, the story of its creation remains a testament to Black Sabbath’s creativity and legacy. It’s a powerful reminder that inspiration can emerge from unlikely sources and, when combined with bold creativity, can reshape music history.
