Black Sabbath is one of the most successful and beloved rock bands of all time, having sold over 75 million albums worldwide, and notable for not only spawning several rock subgenres, including heavy metal, stoner and doom, but for delving into dark subject matter, stinging social criticism and apocalyptic warnings of the future. In their 2006 induction in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Black Sabbath was noted for having 'pursued such themes as war, social chaos, the supernatural, the afterlife, and the timeless conflict between good and evil.' The intense musical synergy of Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne and Bill Ward saw the creation of eight iconic albums that have stood the test of time, remaining as powerful, haunting and relevant now as they were when they were first released between 1970 and 1978. Black Sabbath: The Illustrated Lyrics Vol 1: Supernatural Horror in Literature provides an in-depth analysis of every song and theme found on their self-titled debut album, as well as the early 'lost' songs they performed (and even recorded) from 1968-9, during the period when they went from Earth to Black Sabbath.
For decades, Black Sabbath's lyrics have been misheard, misunderstood and misinterpreted. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame says 'they remain one of the most misunderstood bands in rock history.' Here, at last, is the definitive analysis of the band's soul-searing messages and themes! The first in a series of eight books, Black Sabbath: The Illustrated Lyrics, written by Joe Bongiorno, goes beneath the surface where few have gone before to uncover the truth behind the greatest musical force to ever storm the earth!
Vol 1: Supernatural Horror in Music contains:
• An in-depth analysis of every lyric from their debut album Black Sabbath, as well as seven 'lost' songs from 1968-9.
• Over 170 powerful and haunting images from some of the greatest names in the world of art, from contemporary visionaries to arcane masters of old, as well as rarely seen photos of the band.
• Parts 1 and 2 of the essay exploring Black Sabbath's 'Musical and Cultural Influences,' as well as essays on the interpretive process and significance of lyrics.
• A revised libretto for every lyric that corrects the many mistakes that have crept in over the years.
• Edited by the creator of the 'Philosophy and Popular Culture' series, William Irwin, who produced the book, Black Sabbath and Philosophy, and Rich Handley, creator of Hasslein Books, publisher of genre-based reference books.
At long last, the definitive examination of Black Sabbath's words and themes is here! Beautifully designed by Joe Bongiorno - and geared toward the serious Black Sabbath and heavy rock fan - Black Sabbath: The Illustrated Lyrics Vol 1 is your guide to the songs that made history and changed the music world forever.
For more information, check out Amazon.com or visit the Black Sabbath: Illustrated Lyrics web site (www.blacksabbathlyrics.net), Facebook page (www.facebook.com/blacksabbathillustrated). Or simply send an e-mail to joe@thewizardofoz.info.
This weekend the California Music Fest, which was created to coincide with NAMM 2015, will be bringing '3 Days of Music & Madness' to The Observatory in Santa Ana, CA from January 22-24.
The full schedule for the KERRVILLE FALL MUSIC FESTIVAL held on Labor Day Weekend, August 29 - 31, 2014, is available at http://www.kerrvillefolkfestival.org.
After forming BLACK SABBATH in 1969, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Terry “Geezer” Butler, and Bill Ward went on to record one of the most influential canons of music in the history of rock and roll.
Larry Kramer's unabashed indictment of the politics surrounding the early days of the AIDS epidemic debuted in 1985 and is no less surprising or powerful almost 30 years later. Set in New York City, The Normal Heart unfolds like a real-life political thriller as Ned Weeks and a close-knit group of friends shout into the darkness about what they see happening to their friends and community. This deeply moving play is part of freeFall's SEASON OF OUTCASTS, and plays through tomorrow, February 16. Scroll down to see Part 3 of The Making of freeFall's The Normal Heart!
Larry Kramer's unabashed indictment of the politics surrounding the early days of the AIDS epidemic debuted in 1985 and is no less surprising or powerful almost 30 years later. Set in New York City, The Normal Heart unfolds like a real-life political thriller as Ned Weeks and a close-knit group of friends shout into the darkness about what they see happening to their friends and community. This deeply moving play is part of freeFall's SEASON OF OUTCASTS, and plays through February 16.
This deeply moving play is part of freeFall's SEASON OF OUTCASTS, and plays through February 16. Click below to watch the first of three behind-the-scenes videos with the cast and creative team!
Larry Kramer's unabashed indictment of the politics surrounding the early days of the AIDS epidemic debuted in 1985 and is no less surprising or powerful almost 30 years later. Set in New York City, The Normal Heart unfolds like a real-life political thriller as Ned Weeks and a close-knit group of friends shout into the darkness about what they see happening to their friends and community. Their warnings erupt into all-out fury as everyone from government leaders, healthcare providers and the mainstream media ignore the mounting crisis. The Normal Heart was revived on Broadway in 2011 for a limited, sold-out run. It won three Tony Awards and has been made into an HBO motion picture starring Julia Roberts and Mark Ruffalo. This deeply moving play is part of freeFall's SEASON OF OUTCASTS, and plays through February 16.
Larry Kramer's unabashed indictment of the politics surrounding the early days of the AIDS epidemic debuted in 1985 and is no less surprising or powerful almost 30 years later. Set in New York City, The Normal Heart unfolds like a real-life political thriller as Ned Weeks and a close-knit group of friends shout into the darkness about what they see happening to their friends and community. Their warnings erupt into all-out fury as everyone from government leaders, healthcare providers and the mainstream media ignore the mounting crisis. The Normal Heart was revived on Broadway in 2011 for a limited, sold-out run. It won three Tony Awards and has been made into an HBO motion picture starring Julia Roberts and Mark Ruffalo. This deeply moving play is part of freeFall's SEASON OF OUTCASTS, and plays through February 16.
Larry Kramer's unabashed indictment of the politics surrounding the early days of the AIDS epidemic debuted in 1985 and is no less surprising or powerful almost 30 years later. Set in New York City, The Normal Heart unfolds like a real-life political thriller as Ned Weeks and a close-knit group of friends shout into the darkness about what they see happening to their friends and community. Their warnings erupt into all-out fury as everyone from government leaders, healthcare providers and the mainstream media ignore the mounting crisis. The Normal Heart was revived on Broadway in 2011 for a limited, sold-out run. It won three Tony Awards and has been made into an HBO motion picture starring Julia Roberts and Mark Ruffalo. This deeply moving play is part of freeFall's SEASON OF OUTCASTS, and plays through February 16.
Larry Kramer's unabashed indictment of the politics surrounding the early days of the AIDS epidemic debuted in 1985 and is no less surprising or powerful almost 30 years later. Set in New York City, The Normal Heart unfolds like a real-life political thriller as Ned Weeks and a close-knit group of friends shout into the darkness about what they see happening to their friends and community. Their warnings erupt into all-out fury as everyone from government leaders, healthcare providers and the mainstream media ignore the mounting crisis. The Normal Heart was revived on Broadway in 2011 for a limited, sold-out run. It won three Tony Awards and has been made into an HBO motion picture starring Julia Roberts and Mark Ruffalo. This deeply moving play is part of freeFall's SEASON OF OUTCASTS, and plays through February 16.
New York-based Concierge Auctions is pleased to announce the August 9th auction without reserve of the Big EZ Lodge, a unique and private mountain retreat ideal for both adventurous play and peaceful solitude. Inspired by the natural beauty of Big Sky, Montana and nearby Yellowstone National Park, the Big EZ Lodge combines modern luxury with western charm and sits at 7,500 feet elevation overlooking the Gallatin Mountain Range. With close access to world-class golfing, fly-fishing, hiking, horseback riding, camping, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, sightseeing and renowned skiing and snowboarding at the Big Sky Ski Resort, the estate is ideal for the ultimate family getaway compound or corporate retreat. Located on over 60 acres and listed for $24.5 million, this magnificent estate will sell to the highest bidder in cooperation with Martha Johnson of Montana Living ~ Big Sky Real Estate.
It must have seemed like a no-brainer. Take the back catalogue of one of the most successful and iconic pop groups of all time, get national semi-treasure Jennifer Saunders to write the script, and add Mamma Mia! producer Judy Craymer for good measure. A recipe for success, surely?
Producer JUDY CRAYMER has announced the cast of VIVA FOREVER!, the new musical written by one of Britain's most brilliant comediennes and BAFTA winning writers JENNIFER SAUNDERS, (Absolutely Fabulous, French & Saunders) and featuring the multi-million-selling songs of THE SPICE GIRLS.
Cartwright Productions and Creature of London have announced the cast for their production of The Hairy Ape by Eugene O'Neill, which is scheduled to play 16th of May to 9th June, 2012 at the Southwark Playhouse. The opening night is the 18th of May. The show is directed by Kate Budgen and designed by Jean Chan, with lighting design by Richard Howell and sound design by Tom Gibbons.
According to reports from AntiMusic.com, Tony Iommi has recently revealed that the band Black Sabbath was once offered the opportunity to have their music be the inspiration for a Broadway show.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET will play its final performance at London's Noël Coward Theatre on Saturday 14 January 2012 whilst producers make plans for a major tour of the UK and Ireland. The London production has already been seen by over 200,000 people, played over 250 performances and grossed in excess of £5 million at the Box Office since its West End premiere.
According to Whatsonstage.com, the West End production of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET will close on January 14, 2012. Since its West End premiere, on 28 February 2011, this 'feel-good crowd-pleaser' (The Times) has been seen by over 100,000 people and grossed in excess of £3 million at the Box Office.
War Horse has its Canadian Premiere in Feb of 2012, and Torontonians are already eager to experience this amazing show. Mirvish Productions held a special ticket giveaway event on Monday September 26th where the 1st 100 people in line received a free ticket to the show and a CD. Fans lined up as early as 2am for a chance to get a ticket, and BWW was on hand (at a more reasonable hour) to bring you coverage of this exciting event.