Black Sabbath GEEZER BUTLER & TONY IOMMI ...read more

Black Sabbath GEEZER BUTLER & TONY IOMMI …read more

In a fascinating revelation, Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi, two founding members of the legendary heavy metal band Black Sabbath, shared the story of how one of the genre’s most recognizable riffs came to life. The chilling, doomy opening riff of the song “Black Sabbath,” which played a pivotal role in shaping heavy metal as we know it, owes its origins to an unlikely source: classical orchestral music.

Speaking in a recent interview, Tony Iommi reflected on the creation of the famous riff. He described how he had been experimenting with dark, foreboding musical intervals when he stumbled upon something often referred to as the “devil’s interval” or tritone—a dissonant combination of notes that historically carried a sinister reputation in Western music. Iommi explained, “I was listening to some classical pieces that used this sound, and it really struck me. It was dark, dramatic, and had this incredible tension. I knew it was perfect for what we were trying to do.”

Geezer Butler added his perspective on how the band embraced the riff’s unique feel. “We were always drawn to darker themes, musically and lyrically, so when Tony started playing that riff, it just clicked. It was haunting, almost otherworldly. It felt like it embodied the mood of the band perfectly.”

The song “Black Sabbath,” which features this groundbreaking riff, became the opening track of their self-titled debut album in 1970. With its ominous soundscapes, thunderous instrumentation, and eerie lyrics, the track captured the imagination of listeners and announced the arrival of a bold, new musical movement.

Fans of the band often marvel at how such a simple combination of notes could create such a profound impact. However, this story illustrates the genius of Black Sabbath: their ability to draw inspiration from diverse sources and transform them into something entirely their own. While orchestral music and heavy metal may seem like polar opposites, the band proved that the boundary between genres is often blurrier than it seems.

The impact of the song and its iconic riff cannot be overstated. It defined Black Sabbath’s sound and established many of the hallmarks of heavy metal: doom-laden riffs, intense atmosphere, and an affinity for exploring darker themes. The “devil’s interval” that inspired Tony Iommi’s riff now stands as one of the genre’s most recognizable musical signatures.

Over five decades later, the song and its origins remain a testament to Black Sabbath’s creativity, innovation, and willingness to embrace the unexpected. For many fans, the story is a reminder that inspiration can arise from the most unconventional places, and a simple idea can echo through music history to change the world forever.