Black Sabbath's rise to worldwide superstardom didn't just change bassist Geezer Butler's life — looking back, he's pretty sure it saved him from a tragic death.
Black Sabbath became an early standard bearer for heavy metal with their self-titled 1970 debut, but only after years of curious looks from people who didn't understand their new sounds.
Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler has admitted that the band's estranged drummer, Bill Ward, was not actually invited to perform with them at the final stop on their The End Tour.
Happy Birthday today (July 17) to Geezer Butler. The bassist and primary lyricist of Black Sabbath is 66.
Former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted has cited Geezer Butler as his number 1 influence. He's said, "All true metal bassists look up to Geezer as a pioneer and Godfather of our chosen instrument...