Disgraceland Podcast Episode Summary: Black Sabbath: Satanists, Severed Limbs, Dismembered Fingers, Mountains of Cocaine and the Invention of Heavy Metal

Introduction to Black Sabbath and Their Dark Legacy

In this special Halloween episode of Disgraceland, Jake Brennan delves deep into the tumultuous and dark history of Black Sabbath, one of the most influential bands in the genesis of heavy metal. The episode explores the band's notorious connections with true crime, occult practices, and the personal battles that shaped their legendary sound.

[00:50] The Birth of Heavy Metal and Black Sabbath’s Rise

Jake begins by highlighting Black Sabbath's groundbreaking role in creating heavy metal, emphasizing guitarist Tony Iommi's resilience. Despite losing fingers in a tragic factory accident, Iommi's ingenuity led to a distinctive guitar style that would define the genre. Brennan notes, “They quite literally invented a genre of music, heavy metal, and rose to the top of the pop charts without any help from the critics who hated the band” ([00:50]).

[02:30] Tony Iommi's Tragic Accident and Musical Innovation

At 17, Tony Iommi suffered a severe injury at a sheet metal factory, losing his right index and ring fingers. This life-altering event initially plunged him into despair. However, inspired by jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt—who performed with two fingers after a fire accident—Iommi crafted homemade finger caps from plastic bottle caps and leather. This adaptation not only allowed him to continue playing but also led to a unique, heavier sound characterized by detuned, low-string guitars. As Brennan narrates, “The result was a low, gloomy new type of heaviness from his guitar that hadn't quite been heard before” ([05:15]).

[07:45] Black Sabbath’s Emergence Amidst a Turbulent Era

Black Sabbath, originally known as the Pokotuck Blues Band and later Earth, shifted their musical direction towards darkness and heaviness, contrasting sharply with the prevailing blues and rock bands of the Midlands. The band’s new sound resonated deeply with the youth, who were captivated by its raw intensity. Brennan explains, “There was something darker in Tony's playing now. Something much heavier than anything anyone had ever heard before” ([10:10]).

[12:00] Encounter with Real-Life Horror: The Witchwright Murder

The narrative takes a chilling turn as Brennan intertwines the band's rise with a horrific true crime case—the 1971 Witchwright murder in New Jersey. A 16-year-old Catholic girl was brutally sacrificed, with occult symbols surrounding her body. This gruesome event deeply impacted Black Sabbath's members, especially Geezer Butler, whose lyrics often reflected the dark realities he encountered. Brennan states, “The firsthand horror stories of Vietnam made it into Black Sabbath's lyrics, as Tony Iommi knew they would” ([15:30]).

[18:20] The Satanic Connection and Public Perception

As Black Sabbath gained popularity, their anti-occult lyrics paradoxically attracted Satanists and occult enthusiasts. The band's music became a siren call for those drawn to the dark arts, leading to numerous unsettling encounters. Brennan recounts an event in San Francisco where Anton LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan, organized a Satanic parade in Black Sabbath’s honor. Despite the band’s intention to warn against evil, their image was co-opted by Satanic groups. “Lavey cut an intimidating figure, posing with snakes and walking a pet leopard around the streets of San Francisco,” Brennan describes ([22:45]).

[25:00] Escalation of Occult Influence and Personal Struggles

The band members faced increasing pressure from their dark admirers and the pervasive influence of drugs. Tony Iommi struggled to maintain creative control while battling cocaine addiction. The internal turmoil led to erratic behavior within the band, particularly from Ozzy Osbourne, whose antics began to jeopardize Black Sabbath's stability. Brennan notes, “Ozzy Osbourne’s behavior was now a constant issue as far as his bandleader, Tony Iommi, was concerned” ([30:00]).

[32:10] Critical Reception vs. Fan Adoration

Despite critical disdain, with Rolling Stone’s Lester Bang criticizing Black Sabbath's debut (“the album has nothing to do with spiritualism, the occult or anything much just like Cream, but worse”), the band thrived commercially. Their grim and heavy music struck a chord with the youth, propelling their debut album to number eight on the UK charts. “But when it came to the kids who actually bought records, Lester's review didn't matter,” Brennan emphasizes ([35:20]).

[38:00] The Intensification of Satanic Obsessions

Black Sabbath’s escalating fame attracted more intense and dangerous Satanist behavior. Incidents of fan mail written in blood, threats against band members, and violent altercations became commonplace. Brennan narrates a disturbing incident where security had to intervene to prevent an attack on Tony Iommi by a dagger-wielding fan ([40:45]).

[43:30] The Struggle with Addiction and Internal Conflict

As the band's success grew, so did their dependence on cocaine. The pervasive drug use exacerbated tensions among band members, leading to volatile relationships and destructive behaviors. Ozzy's excessive partying and substance abuse reached critical levels, ultimately forcing Tony Iommi to make the difficult decision to oust him from the band. “Ozzy Osbourne was a buffoon... By Tony Iommi's estimation, Ozzy Osbourne's buffoonery was so intense that he wondered if Ozzy was trying to sabotage the band” ([50:10]).

[52:00] Transition and Rebirth with Ronnie James Dio

Following Ozzy's departure, Black Sabbath sought a new vocalist and found Ronnie James Dio, whose presence revitalized the band both creatively and commercially. The release of Heaven and Hell marked a triumphant return, showcasing a more refined and powerful heavy metal sound. Brennan highlights, “With Ronnie James Dio, Black Sabbath was back because like the devil himself, they unlocked a heavy diabolical power” ([58:30]).

[1:00:00] Ongoing Shadows: The Witchwright Case and Band’s Legacy

Years later, Tony Iommi remains haunted by the Witchwright murder case, which remains unsolved. Brennan draws parallels between the band's dark legacy and the unresolved horror of the crime, suggesting that Black Sabbath's music continues to echo the shadows of the atrocities that inspired it. “Tony took his tea out by the pool... There was still no arrest, but there was a better composite case sketch of the suspect,” Brennan reflects ([1:05:45]).

[1:07:30] Conclusion: The Enduring Impact of Black Sabbath

In wrapping up, Brennan underscores Black Sabbath's enduring influence on heavy metal and their complex relationship with darkness, addiction, and fan obsession. While acknowledging the fictional liberties taken in intertwining true crime with the band’s history, he reaffirms the profound impact Black Sabbath has had on music and culture. “Disgraceland indulged in more poetic license than normal... But that true crime is indeed true,” he concludes ([1:10:20]).

Notable Quotes:

• Jake Brennan ([00:50]): “They quite literally invented a genre of music, heavy metal, and rose to the top of the pop charts without any help from the critics who hated the band.”

• Jake Brennan ([05:15]): “The result was a low, gloomy new type of heaviness from his guitar that hadn't quite been heard before.”

• Jake Brennan ([15:30]): “The firsthand horror stories of Vietnam made it into Black Sabbath's lyrics, as Tony Iommi knew they would.”

• Jake Brennan ([22:45]): “Lavey cut an intimidating figure, posing with snakes and walking a pet leopard around the streets of San Francisco.”

• Jake Brennan ([35:20]): “But when it came to the kids who actually bought records, Lester's review didn't matter.”

• Jake Brennan ([50:10]): “Ozzy Osbourne was a buffoon... By Tony Iommi's estimation, Ozzy Osbourne's buffoonery was so intense that he wondered if Ozzy was trying to sabotage the band.”

• Jake Brennan ([58:30]): “With Ronnie James Dio, Black Sabbath was back because like the devil himself, they unlocked a heavy diabolical power.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Disgraceland masterfully intertwines the rise of Black Sabbath with the dark undercurrents of true crime and occult fascination that surrounded them. Through meticulous storytelling and dramatic narration, Jake Brennan paints a vivid picture of a band that not only changed the musical landscape but also became emblematic of the tumultuous and often shadowy era in which they thrived. Whether you’re a true crime aficionado or a heavy metal enthusiast, this episode offers a gripping exploration of the fine line between artistic genius and real-life darkness.