Geezer Butler calls Black Sabbath album a “disaster” – Far Out Magazine
Considered a “bad” Black Sabbath singer, the debate often centers on whether Dio or Osbourne was the superior frontman for the band. The band’s members did not anticipate Dio’s eventual legendary status when they first collaborated with him. Dio’s stint with Sabbath was short-lived due to creative clashes stemming from the pressure to produce stellar work right off the bat. This tension culminated in the creation of Live Evil, a doomed album which highlighted the incompatible creative visions between the band and Dio. Butler reminisces on the tumultuous period, labeling it a “disaster.”
Despite the rocky start, subsequent collaborations between Dio and Black Sabbath proved to be more fruitful. The initial album marked a challenging period for the group as they navigated through conflicting artistic viewpoints. Butler recalls the chaotic process of recording Live Evil, with Dio constantly altering the groundwork laid by Iommi and Butler during daytime sessions. The lack of cohesion resulted in a jumble of creative inputs that ultimately derailed the project.
Geezer Butler candidly described the album as a “disaster,” indicating the immense challenges faced by the band during that period. The clash of creative visions between Dio and the rest of Black Sabbath hindered the album’s development, leading to discord and frustration among the members. The tumultuous recording process exposed the difficulties of maintaining artistic integrity and collaboration within the band, ultimately resulting in a project that fell short of expectations.
The album Live Evil serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and struggles that can arise when talented individuals try to reconcile their creative differences. Despite the initial setbacks, both Dio and Black Sabbath found success in their subsequent collaborations, demonstrating the ability to overcome challenges and produce remarkable music. The album may have been deemed a “disaster” by Geezer Butler, but it also serves as a valuable lesson in the importance of communication, compromise, and mutual respect in the creative process.