Black Sabbath Facebook Battle Rages On

 

It would seem over the past day or two things between Black Sabbath vocalist Ozzy Osbourne and original drummer Bill Ward have heated up to quite a boil. On Wednesday Ward released a statement on his website and Facebook page saying he would only rejoin Sabbath if he received a genuine public apology from Osbourne and if he was presented with a "signable" contract. Ward's original statement can be found here. Osbourne did in fact respond. However, it wasn't exactly in the way Ward and Black Sabbath fans were hoping for. Osbourne released the following statement directed toward Ward this past Thursday via his own Facebook page which can be read here.

The basic gist is that Osbourne was calling Ward out on his statement and said that the former drummer was too physically incapable of doing an album and a rigorous 16 month tour. Ward had been hospitalized many times over the past few years since the band had announced their reunion back in late 2011. Such inconveniences would have heavily inhibited Black Sabbath's ability to carry on with the tour.

However, this past Friday Ward made his own rebuttal to Osbourne's statement; once again via Facebook. The statement can be read here. Ward insists that he was physically ready to do the tour at the time the ball got rolling. He had been under a vigorous exercise routine for some time and had lost a great deal of weight. Ward also goes into great detail about how the procedures that had him out for so long were elective and could have been postponed until after the tour. From there Ward talks about how he was dealt an unfair hand in the business aspects of Black Sabbath in more recent years and how Osbourne has said a great deal of hurtful things.

Personally I find it astounding how two men in their 70's could resort to arguing publicly over Facebook. I mean, come on. Facebook drama is for kids. I feel like saying to Osbourne and Ward, "Come on, guys. You're 70, not 17. Act like it. Resolve your differences like proper grown up gentlemen.". I am sorry that their relationship has worn down so much, but there are better ways of handling such problems.

Throwback Thursday: Come Taste the Band, by Deep Purple

By 1975 hard rock giant Deep Purple had left a humongous mark upon the world of music. Everywhere they went they put on shows that were absolutely electrifying and occasionally dangerous to the people on and near the stage. Much of this had to do with guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and his love of blowing up amplifiers, smashing guitars, and throwing the remains of both into the crowd. However, by '75 Blackmore had become very dissatisfied with the current state of the band, as it was no longer the heavy neo-classical band it had once been but featured more elements of soul and funk music. That being said, Blackmore quit. Being in quite the pickle, the band recruited its first American member: jazz fusion guitar extraordinaire Tommy Bolin of James Gang, Zephyr, Billy Cobham, and solo fame. Thus, the briefly lived Deep Purple Mark IV was born.

Deep Purple Mark IV only wrote and recorded one album together before the whole band was folded. This is a somewhat unknown gem called Come Taste the Band; a name that came about after a drunken slur from Bolin. The music delves further into the funk and soul direction the band had been going in for some time. The style of Bolin definitely differed from that of Blackmore. Where Blackmore was more classical and bluesy at times Bolin was more jazzy and funky. It actually made for an interesting blend with the pre-existing members of the band.

Gettin' Tighter is the absolute funkiest and most cheerful sounding tune on the entire album. Bassist and backing vocalist Glenn Hughes takes the lead on it and puts every last bit of power and soul he has in his body into it. It gets especially astounding when Hughes shows off just how high he can get his voice to go. You wouldn't think a human being could do that, but it's possible. The funky guitar playing from Bolin is absolutely fantastic. All the chicka-chickas and upbeat nuances in his playing make it impossible to not smile and dance. It is reminiscent of the era it was written in, but it still has aged well.

The crowning achievement from Come Taste the Band however has got to be the 5 minute bass centric epic You Keep On Movin'. Hughes's and lead singer David Coverdale's voices blend together flawlessly and beautifully in ways you cannot imagine unless you put the track on for yourself to hear. The song structure itself is pretty simple, but near the end Bolin absolutely rips and runs with some of the most blistering solo work I have ever heard on a guitar. Before I had heard this song I didn't think it was possible for anyone to compete with Blackmore, but Bolin clearly proved me wrong.

Sadly as mentioned earlier Deep Purple Mark IV only lasted for one album and tour. Hughes's and Bolin's substance and partying problems made the band's performances rather lackluster on a frequent basis. In 1976 Deep Purple officially disbanded. Bolin died later that year due to a drug overdose. It's a crying shame because Bolin was so young and extremely talented. I would have loved to have heard more music from this line-up. Anyway, I can't recommend this album enough; even if you aren't a fan of Deep Purple to begin with. To be honest, Come Taste the Band doesn't really feel like a Deep Purple album. It feels like an entity all its own. It is a unique funky jazzy hard rock experience. You won't regret picking this album up.

Come Taste the Band, by Deep Purple receives 5 out of 5 stars.

Track List:

1. Comin' Home
2. Lady Luck
3. Gettin' Tighter
4. Dealer
5. I Need Love
6. Drifter
7. Love Child
8. This Time Around
9. Owed to G
10. You Keep On Moving

Buy the album on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Come-Taste-Band-DEEP-PURPLE/dp/B000SQJ2JG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429240792&sr=8-1&keywords=Come+Taste+the+Band

Black Sabbath Drummer Bill Ward Wants Apology From Ozzy Osbourne Before Reuniting With Band

 
In late 2011 heavy metal fans all over the world were absolutely stoked when news of the reunion of Black Sabbath hit the airwaves. All four members would be reuniting to record another studio album of all new material and then embark on a massive world tour. Unfortunately, this was not to be. An album (13) and a tour embarked upon, but one piece of the puzzle was missing: original drummer Bill Ward. What happened? Apparently Ward was not provided with a "signable" contract and his contributions to the band were belittled by singer Ozzy Osbourne. For the longest time Ward was almost completely silent on the issue, but recently he opened up about it on a post from his official website and Facebook page.

Ward has stated that he would like to reunite with the band. He misses playing with them and would like to mend his friendship with Osbourne; especially since Black Sabbath is about to record one final album and do a farewell tour before retiring the band name forever. However, for that to happen Ward has stated that he would have to be presented with a "signable" contract and would have to receive a public apology from Osbourne that was spoken in the singer's own words and not something prepared for him by a publicist or anyone else.

Hopefully Osbourne and Ward can overcome their differences like grown adults. It would be wonderful for the band to truly reunite, make new music, and tour together one final time as the original four piece that came out of Birmingham, England in 1969. These guys are old now and don't have a whole lot of time left on this Earth. I'm pretty sure they realize this, so hopefully they can grow up, bury the hatchet one last time, and make this happen.

Ward's statement can be read in full below:

"I hope you’re well and in good spirits. I have not made any public statements regarding my relationship with Black Sabbath since February 2012. Today, I want to address that relationship in this formal statement. Thank you.
I have neither severed nor discontinued my relationship with Black Sabbath, however, since 2012, the often inaccurate statements about me as a person and as a musician have caused me to be guarded and be especially detached emotionally and spiritually from Ozzy. His rhetoric above all has brought me the most discord. The continuing misguided information about me has established a necessity on my part to confront these issues. And now, with the imminent release of a new Bill Ward Band album, and the flurry of rumors about new Sabbath projects, I feel it appropriate to speak in a truthful and an un-cynical way.
There is always speculation about a true, original Sabbath lineup for the next tour or record. With a sad heart, I have to say I will not participate in any musical undertakings until a righting of the wrongs spoken against me has been achieved. I must admit, I have little to no expectations of this happening, but in the order of first things first, I’m looking for an honest accountability of all of Ozzy’s statements that I felt were untrue. I would want Ozzy to amend his opinions and exaggerations. I would want him to be forthcoming about his unrealistic viewpoints. And because I was chastised publicly, I would want him to amend publicly in his words, and not through an Ozzy representative, the nature of the wrongs. I would not want to continue on with him without this seemingly impassible dilemma being addressed. I don’t think previously strong relationships can remain strong after dispute by just sweeping the offensive stuff under the carpet, or by saying a puny sorry, or “oh, that’s all over now.” It doesn’t work like that for me. Righting of wrong works, and that’s what I want if I’m ever going to be his friend again.
Still undone and faraway is a “signable” contract. I would require a “signable” contract before moving one step toward a pathway that could lead to us all playing together again. I want a contract I can approve. That’s my truth. That’s my stand. I’ve listened to nothing but insults and false remarks, and if as a band or as individuals they wish to continue along the same lines, then any notion of an original Black Sabbath lineup will continue to fade away.
Put simply, it’s up to them. I have dearly missed playing with them and as people, I have been heartbroken over the loss of who I thought we were. And now you know where I stand.
Very soon my band, BWB will release a new album ironically called “Accountable Beasts.” I re- kick-started it in May 2012, and in an off and on journey to record, we have reached our final destination – a good mix, and a well mastered record. At this time we are putting the final touches on the digital booklet.
There are other multiple projects in different stages of progress, and I hope to bring more definitive news about them as things unfold this year. I have been very happy writing new songs, playing drums and working with other musicians. I have been blessed with musical visions and the ability to harness them. I’m moving into the future with an optimistic outlook.
For our many Sabbath fans, I love you all dearly. You are extremely special people. You f–king rock. I have been in deep regret since January 2012 that a true union was denied. I’ve remained faithful to you and honest with myself. Had I not been honest throughout I would have perished long ago. My hand is within yours, and I am encouraged to know you better. Stay safe and stay strong.
Now it is time to meet the circumstances of my statement and attend to what else is ongoing and before me.
Love,
Bill Ward"

10 Easy and Fun Songs for a Beginner to Learn on Guitar

Picking up a guitar is one of the absolute coolest things you can ever do in life. I would even put it on the same level as meeting the love of your life or the birth of your children. Hell, I might even put it a tier above both of those. However, no one starts out with super star power on the instrument. It takes time and practice in order to build up noteworthy skill that will get all the groupies throwing their panties and bras at you. However, don't feel like it will take forever to have any fun with the guitar. There are several fun easy songs that you can play within your first few lessons. Today I'm listing 10.

1. Knockin' on Heaven's Door, by Bob Dylan

This song is a classic and has been covered to death. However, it's for good reason. It has profound lyric, a memorable melody, and the easiest 3 chord pattern that just loops over and over again. It's hard to mess this one up.

2. When I Come Around, by Green Day

Another tune with the same chord progression throughout the majority of the song, except for one short easy arpeggio section. If you can play a power chord (the easiest kind of chord) you can get through this modern punk classic with little to no problem.

3. Calling Dr. Love, by Kiss

If you have a fever and the only cure is more cowbell, then this tune is right up your alley. It's loud, anthemic, fun, and rocking. If you want to get into the hard rocking right after picking up your first guitar, this is a great way to do it.

4. Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin', by Journey

This song is basic 12 bar blues. There really isn't a whole lot to it. As long as you can play a basic walking paced shuffle pattern you can do this. It is one of the first things you learn how to do most of the time when you start learning the guitar.

5. Highway to Hell, by AC/DC

This song other than the solo is almost entirely basic chords. I guarantee you can play one of the most iconic opening riffs in rock history within your first few lessons. Just learn the basic chords, crank up your amp, and let that high voltage rock n' roll flow through you.

6. Jailhouse Rock, by Elvis Presley

No list of course is complete without a song from the king of rock n' roll. Every rock guitarist should be able to play at least one Elvis Presley song. Again, if you know power chords and the basic blues pattern then you can shuffle right into this classic.

7. Tangerine, by Led Zeppelin

If you want to play something that is a little more acid/stoner rock then Led Zeppelin has you covered. You might need a little bit of practice with your chords first to get rolling with this one, but not a whole lot. This is one of Zeppelin's best acoustic tunes and the easiest to play along with.

8. Nowhere Man, by The Beatles

Can't leave out the Fab Four, now can we? You might need a capo to play this song in its original key, but if you don't have one don't let that stop you. It's easy and I guarantee you can quickly pick up on it. If you want to learn unique chord progressions, I highly recommend this song and others in The Beatles' catalog.

9. Paranoid, by Black Sabbath

If heavy metal is more your pace, then this is one of the best introductory songs to the genre in existence. Black Sabbath is the Bible of metal. Paranoid is one of the first songs in the genre you should learn. It has all the basic techniques like power chords and basic solos.

10. Satisfaction, by The Rolling Stones

If you can learn one or two basic scales and a few chords you can get through this song with no sweat. It's mostly the iconic riff over and over with some parts where you're playing chords over the verses. It's a rock standard that you can get on with easily. You'll get satisfaction pretty quickly.

5 Songs to Get You Through the Week #21

5 Songs to Get You Through the Week is a feature I run on Young Ears, Fresh Perspective on Sundays/early hours of Monday morning where I pick out 5 tunes that I think are notable and tell you a bit about them. The point is to give you some rocking music to help you deal with your weekday blues. You can either listen to one each day, listen to them all at once, or any other combination that you feel. As long as you can get through the week without the man getting you down, that's all I care about. Without further ado, here are the 5 tracks I've picked out for this week:

1. Picking Up the Pieces, by Quiet Riot

Before 80's metal staple Quiet Riot made their mark on the world with songs like Cum On Feel the Noize and Metal Health (Bang Your Head) they had a more pop rock oriented sound. Kind of unusual, don't you think? Most bands transition from heavy to poppy if they do shift their sound. Anyway, this tune features original guitarist Randy Rhoads, who would later go on to play for Ozzy Osbourne at the start of his solo career and would help write songs like Crazy Train, Mr Crowley, Over the Mountain, etc. Here you can hear his melodic roots. It's a great tune to dance around and party to; especially if you need a pick-me-up.

2.  10 Lovers, by The Black Keys

When I think of The Black Keys I don't normally think of their newer non-bluesy stuff. However, I still think the song 10 Lovers from the Turn Blue album is pretty fantastic. It blends 70's Stevie Wonder style funk, modern dance music, and stoner rock. It makes for a unique experience. You can definitely dance to it, no doubt about that. That bass line is killer. The synth melody is pretty futuristic sounding to me, but I love it when it transitions into a guitar solo at the end. It takes that same melody and adds a whole bunch more soul and depth to it.

3. Foxey Lady, by The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Can't go wrong with a Hendrix classic, right? It's so inspiring to listen to the ways Hendrix took blues, jazz, and rock n' roll in order to go off on his own tangent and be the single most innovative guitar player to ever live. Guitarists even to this day are still trying to mimic and come even a fraction of the way close to Hendrix's sound. Foxey Lady even to this day is a fantastic tune to groove to. It's simple, yet colorful. His solos get so creamy and smooth while his chords are so dirty in all the best ways possible. Stoner rock at its best.

Another Brick in the Wall Part 2, by Pink Floyd

EVERYONE knows this song. If they don't they have somehow been living under a rock for the past few decades. It is the most anti-education/teacher/establishment song known to mainstream rock. This song got us all at some point or another singing "We don't need no education....". Despite there being plenty of other great songs that have gotten this same message across, none are anywhere near as widespread and iconic. It gained that status for a reason. It does it so well. It plays to one's emotions and digs up those feelings of extreme resentment for teachers who really did you wrong and made you want to rebel.

5. She's the Woman, by Van Halen

In 2012 Van Halen put out its first album with original front man David Lee Roth in almost 30 years titled A Different Kind of Truth. While some fans might poopoo it, I thought it was actually pretty good. Half the songs were ones they had held onto but hadn't used from the 70's. One of them is She's the Woman. That opening bass line is eargasmically fantastic the way it climbs up and up again like a computer program. Of course the tune itself has that early Van Halen swagger to it which I absolutely LOVE. Roth's voice might have aged some, but it still has its old charm here. If you give the song a chance you may be pleasantly surprised.

Black Sabbath Guitarist Tony Iommi Sets Record Straight on Recent Health Rumors

 

Lately there has been a great deal of speculation flying around about Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi's health due to the band's recently cancelled Japan shows that were supposed to be the band's final farewell. Iommi has been dealing with lymphoma for some time, so it is understandable. However, the Iron Man himself got on his soap box to set the record straight.

Iommi made this post yesterday (4/9) to his personal Facebook page:

“Thank you for all the enquiries about my health, very kind. I’m not sure how the rumour of my being unwell started as I was away on holiday! Once you’ve had something like lymphoma the fear that it will return never leaves, all I can say is that right now I’m fine and have regular blood tests.”

Instead of Black Sabbath performing in Japan at Ozz Fest on November 22 it will be Ozzy Osbourne and Friends. No statement for the reason behind the change has been made at this point. It's kind of an odd thing to do to say that Black Sabbath will be performing their final show all of a sudden to make such a big switch, but what do I know?

Be that as it may, it's good to hear that Iommi is in relatively good health at the moment. I can only imagine the kind of stress he has to deal with when it comes to his illness. Hopefully Iommi can stay healthy and keep on making those big heavy riffs for years to come. We have lost too many great musicians the past few years. It would be nice to keep some for a little while longer.

Throwback Thursday: Quiet Riot (1977), by Quiet Riot

Quiet Riot and Ozzy Osbourne are linked in the most interesting way. It's more than them both being famous 80's metal bands, though. Both bands were once both home to one of the youngest most talented guitarists to ever play the instrument and left this Earth too soon: Randy Rhoads. Before Rhoads was writing hits with Ozzy like Crazy Train, Over the Mountain, Mr Crowley, Flying High Again, etc. he was in Quiet Riot. However, this was before Quiet Riot had made it huge with tunes like Come on Feel the Noize and Metal Health (Bang Your Head). Before joining Ozzy, Randy put out two albums with the band: Quiet Riot and Quiet Riot II.

The first album Quiet Riot came out in 1977. You can tell it's Rhoads tearing it up on the guitar, but it isn't quite the heavy neo-classical riffs and solos that he became known for with Ozzy. If anything, a significant portion of the songs are reminiscent of Kiss with sprinkles of Judas Priest; which isn't surprising considering how huge Kiss was and how Judas Priest was on the way up at that point. The songs are definitely more pop oriented than the kind of metal the band would later become famous for in the early 80's after Rhaods's departure and unfortunate passing.

Get Your Kicks definitely has the Kiss vibe, though also a bit of Bad Company and Aerosmith. It's a fun upbeat tune that starts off with a drum cadence that sounds very traditional military. However, it's not too long before you realize that it's rock n' roll. I absolutely LOVE the solo. Rhoads throws in bits of the melodies of the American national anthem and Yankee Doodle Dandy while throwing in some of his own licks. The lyrics are pretty basic. It's about praising rock n' roll. However, some times that is more than ok. I feel in this case it applies.

Tin Soldier has a bit more of Quiet Riot's Judas Priest influence. The chugging guitar riffs and vocal melodies make that pretty apparent. I particularly like the intro which makes it sound like you're listening to funky space music. It's almost Hendrix-ish in a way. The chorus screams Kiss, though. It has that anthemic loud proud vibe where they sing about love and all that fun jazz that often gets sung about in pop. Nonetheless, it's a lot of fun despite hearing all those influences.

Randy Rhoads definitely went on to do more groundbreaking and original material with Ozzy Osbourne, but Quiet Riot is a fun way to hear his 70's roots. Quiet Riot of course would do some better stuff as well. If you're a fan of the big 70's rock bands though, this album is right up your alley. Unfortunately it and Quiet Riot II are both difficult to come by because they were only released in Japan for whatever reason. However, the songs are floating around on YouTube (in proper playlists fortunately) so you can still hear them. I would really recommend it because they are fun, loud, and rocking. Plus, it's always nice to dig up little time capsules like this, isn't it?

Quiet Riot, by Quiet Riot receives 3 out 5 stars.

Track List:

1. It's Not So Funny
2. Mama's Little Angel
3. Tin Soldier
4. Ravers
5. Back to the Coast
6. Glad All Over
7. Get Your Kicks
8. Look in Any Window
9. How You Want It
10. Riot Reunion
11. Fit to Be Tied
12. Demolition Derby

Listen to the album on YouTube (album was too rare to find on Amazon)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzECHL5w1zQ&list=PLATWmAv-ZjJ1FLmiHezgRwSRRGarukzdf