Geezer Butler on Ronnie James Dio’s impact and Heaven & Hell’s surprise success

In the "100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal" podcast, Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler recalled how difficult the band’s final 1970s album with Ozzy Osbourne was to record – Ozzy often refused to read or sing Butler’s lyrics, leading drummer Bill Ward to take vocal duties on one track and another song to become instrumental. Butler said the arrival of Ronnie James Dio changed the dynamic, with Dio not only writing lyrics but also helping shape songs by playing guitar parts for guitarist Tony Iommi, making the writing process smoother.

Butler noted that the 1980 "Heaven & Hell" album surprised the band by receiving strong U.S. radio play despite its length, proving that fans still embraced Black Sabbath’s new direction. He also reflected on the recent "Back To The Beginning" concert in Birmingham, where the original lineup performed for over 40,000 fans, and paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne after his death, describing the experience as a cherished adventure.

The discussion highlighted the transition from the Ozzy era to Dio’s tenure and the lasting legacy of Black Sabbath’s classic songs such as "War Pigs," "Iron Man," and "Paranoid."