~~~
Q: You know VH, I have no memories of you as a lad digging metal and Sabbath. Now, you’re always going on about OPETH and Black Sabbath. Are you some sort of latter day poser?
A: Good question. I’m glad this has come up. I will confess, that during my formative period of rock I was not into metal. In fact, I still remain not ‘into metal’. I do rock. I admire a good rock act. But, most of all, I dig a stirring tune.
Q; These days are loaded with Black Sabbath this and Black Sabbath that but weren’t you more of a Pink Floyd, or Zeppelin sort of chap when it came to English music of the times?
A: Guilty. Well, at least at the time. As you know, I’ve just hosted Black Sabbath Monday XIV. Fourteen years of a day dedicated to one act. That’s saying something, and, even then yes: late to the party.
Q: So, you are a poser?
A: That’s not for me to decide. Here are the facts. But I’m only going to concentrate on the facts that make sense in this forum. Like this, my latest revelation.
Q: You have a latter-day revelation?!
A: Yes, and I hope always. But let’s get to it. Let’s return to Black Sabbath.
Q: By all means.
A: They recorded eight fantastic albums in the 1970’s. When my own ears started to turn on I was 11 or 12. I grew up in a rather rockin’ environment, mostly of The Beatles and The Stones. In junior high, when the world greatly expands, I saw these young thugs, my fellow academics, wearing cheap knock off rock band shirts. Van Halen and Black Sabbath T-shirts come to mind. Stupid images of “Heaven and Hell” and “Mob Rules” were my first knowledge of Black Sabbath. Of course, I knew the track “Paranoid” but I didn’t know its origin. Then MTV started to happen, and my world of metal expanded. But not in a good way. The metal of the early 80’s was and is like indigestable flavorless stale bread. Why would I get into that when there was classic Zeppelin, The Doors, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and of course, Pink Floyd?
I’m low on time now, but I do wish to introduce two themes. Out of curiosity, I’ve begun to explore the post-Ozzy Sabbath world. My initial response is back to my 12 or 13 year old judgemental self. To he, and me, this is unlistenable music. This is not Black Sabbath.
But there may be something.
Something possibly worth exhuming.
I’ve been moved by some of these documentaries about latter day Sabbath. I like the vibe and attitude of local-ish hero Ronnie James Dio. Come on, “Rainbow in the Dark” is a great sounding track. That said, I may consider an informal study of the post-Ozzy collection. My first impression is that the dreaded “Born Again” with Ian Gillan may have something to it.
Q: We’ll continue this later.
A: I do hope so.
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May 14th 
Stunning revelations! And yet, as I read, yes, it did begin to make sense. three-fourths of the glory was on hand for those albums. As middle aged men, dinged by life’s trials, buyoed by life’s triumphs, perhaps we are now better positioned to comprehend those works. Clearly, as our careful study revealed in the early days, something was broken within the original Black Sabbath. And so, these post-Classic quartet efforts must surely be infused with the hope of a new day. I’ve never listened to any of it, never even tempted. But now? It makes sense. Almost seems inviting! And if Geezer continued to write the lyrics, I likley have a lot to learn. As an aside, brilliant commentary – from the t-shirts to the precisely defined metal nonsense of our youth. I am left with one question. What is the significance (if any) of Tech Support in the associated photo? Can this be answered, or is this a mystery of TNTS? One to be considered, each one, perhaps for years to come?
The 3 remaining members barely lasted. Bill Ward missed Ozzy and DIo and Gillan had their own things to say, essentially minimizing Geezer. As for the picture, it’s from Black Sabbath Monday Sunday II or III. It’s relevance is for pontification.
You’ve finally come around.
G
Yes, G, I’ve already confessed one of my few regrets is not getting into Sabbath sooner. Although I remember playing “Paranoid” in Siroonian’s basement, The Shattered Illusion shattered. I think The Groove Factor should’ve been more about Black Sabbath than tompetty or even the cult. There’s a timeline in the multiverse where that plays out and it’s awesome …