me either, but I love Sabbath so much that I watch every one of these. Gives me a great appreciation for Bill, he's so underrated. Another reason why to me Sabbath starts and ends w/ the original lineup.
I’m 65 years old. I was 13 when I bought this album. My dad, (RIP) asked me, “Do you know what this song is about?” I said no. His response was, “ The music might sound cool, but songs are messages. Listen, and figure out the message.” I had the coolest dad on the planet! Miss you pop.
It’s awesome. I can’t imagine the world without Sabbath. This stuff was groundbreaking and it still makes me feel amazing after all these years. Appreciate the video.
i bought the first album in 1970 and never looked back. im now 67 years old and i will perish with BS music. as a 14 yr old kid listening to Black Sabbath first american album was incredible music change from three dog night. these 4 dudes are the foundation of heavy metal and they did it without raunch. everything they did had musicality and purpose. probably the most underrated band in history. decades later hollywood films are continue using their materials. their music will never die....NEVER SAY DIE !
Your reaction to the middle break was priceless everything about this is amazing the bass and drums are so locked in and perfect for the simple Iommi riff
I was about 14 when I really got into Sabbath so it was around 1977 and I had heard Parinoid and Iron Man, when I first heard Sweet Leaf I was in the back seat of an older friends car. He put in Master of Reality 8 track on and bam, first song Sweet Leaf. It's not great to say but I got turned on to Mescaline for the first time. Sitting in the back seat with Sweet Leaf on and the driver of the car of course was on it too and about 2:00 in the morning we were in a big empty parking lot doing about 70 miles an hour and we were weaving around light poles. At almost 60 now I think about it and say how the hell did we do these things. It wasn't the music that made us do it, but it was just the times. Still to this day when I listen to that song it brings me back to that time. It took all four of those musicians to make that kind of music. If you took one person out of the band it would not have happened. Bill Ward was not a typical rock drummer, he was more of a swing drummer, big band music. It was just a shame that he did not do the final tour. .
I read an excerpt from a critic years ago that likened this album and Black Sabbath's sound and performance as " four Cro-Magnon hunters that had stumbled upon a rock band's equipment after a bad day chasing meat." Love it!
there was a lot of snobbery from Rock critics backin the day. They hated Zep too. Just goes to show you how full of shit they are. 90s English critics were especially full of themselves.
@Mike G. Agreed. Apparently he was good with his hands from a young age, learning to box and taking Judo to defend himself in the tough neighborhoods of Handsworth, Birmingham. Fitting name.
Blows me away every time... Everything about this song is perfect! The vibe the tone the groove the riffage the vocals.... *italian kiss* simply beautiful! I LOVE YA SWEETLEAF!
I've always heard that story about Tony being in the center because he wanted to be the center of attention. That's bunk, Ozzy himself has said he preferred stage right because Geezer's bass was so loud live that he couldn't hear the rest of the band and himself good enough. If you watch the 1970 show in Paris they have this lineup but Tony spends the whole show back behind Ozzy next to Bill Ward, never really taking "center" stage. You can see it again during the 1974 California Jam show. With the exception of a few solo parts Tony is pretty much always back behind Ozzy next to Bill. Fun Fact: The name of this song came from a package of cigarettes that Geezer had and the brand catch phrase was "It's the sweet leaf!"
That's right that it wasn't because he wanted to be the center of attention, but for a long period he was center stage with a spotlight on him the whole time. That's what everyone was clamoring for at the time. ua-cam.com/video/J8B4BdAs0h4/v-deo.html
@@mikeg.4211 That wasn't until after 1976 and Ozzy quitting the band twice. By the time they played that 1978 show at Hammersmith Tony had taken control of the band and the animosity between him and Ozzy was at breaking point.
I love your technical explanations of Bill's drumming. For a non drummer I knew I loved it from the first minute I heard it back in the mid 70's & I still love it now. Your explanation means I can listen to it with new ears even now. For that I thank thee.
As a teenager in the late 1980s I called my local, small town rock radio station and requested this song. It made my day when they actually played it!! One of my all time favorites!
The title of the song comes from a packet of cigarettes that Geezer brought back from a holiday in Ireland - "Sweet Afton - it's the sweet leaf". Bill himself has stated he is more of an orchestrator than a drummer - as he relies on feel more than technique. He might be humble, but there is no doubt he is a beast of a drummer.
Man I love this song, the members and I of my very first band used to just shout "ALL RIGHT, NOW!" constantly to each other during practice and gigs. Great times and memories.
Another great video ANDREW. I’m always excited to see someone recognize Black Sabbath for what they really are…four world class musicians who when together made timeless music. My one suggestion is that one week per month you do a Sabbath week. You’ve already done the debut album, so now you need to do each album, top to bottom. Each record has its own feel, its own sound. I think that would be AWESOME. You can’t beat a Sabbath week other than a Sabbath week per month!!!! THNAK YOU for this. I hope Bill Wars sees this. He deserves recognition for one of the greatest drummers of all time.
What’s incredible to me is that I’ve been a Black Sabbath fan for over 40 years and you point out all these little things that I’ve never quite paid attention to. I just know it kicked ass. Love your channel and love that you are a Sabbath/Bill Ward fan. He doesn’t get mentioned enough with the top drummers of his day.
First song I heard after buying the album through the Columbia Record Club in 1972. Played in my parent's room because they had a nicer stereo. The intro and beginning shook me and I have been hooked ever since!
Cheers Andrew Rooney!!! Makes my week with those priceless first time sabbath reactions.....helps me relive over and over the sheer joy of not just listening to these songs but attempting to play them like Bill did.....smooth, unpredictable, off the cuff, behind the beat slightly, displaced notes and spaces, snare work instead of backbests, Tom and bass drum fills instead of ' predictable academically pleasing sticking around the toms'...and all in a realm of 'no time' orchestrating to support the riffs and offer some light and shade. You absolutely have to interview Bill....this recognition exists no where else as well articulated as it is on your channel as a record of what Bill Wards contribution means to all us drummers and the Black Sabbath fan community worldwide. Thanks again....looking forward to so many more tracks that have yet to blow your mind!... don't worry...you have plenty to still catch up on involving the fab four of heavy rock/metal. Cheers.
Wow, Simon, well said! Stay tuned for something that I think you'll find interesting and possibly unexpected that was very heavily influenced by Sabbath; namely the first two tracks from The Scorpions first album in 1972 (Lonesome Crow), before they changed their style to go for commercial power ballad cash.
What an amazing opening song for Master Of Reality! You know what you're going to get for the rest of the album with that killer riff & incredible musicianship! Bill Ward is such a killer drummer. I've always thought so! If you want a completely different vibe, check the song Solitude from this album - it's what made me realize that Ozzy has quite a beautiful voice, and that Sabbath weren't just a 'metal' band! The song is a complete trip! This is my #1 Sabbath album - it was also the first album I was exposed to by them - I just had a compilation album before this. Keep them coming Andrew! Can do no wrong with Black Sabbath! Cheers.
I totally enjoy watching you discover and break down my favorite band which was sound track of my teens during the 70’s. This really brings a newness to it all for me and just helps me appreciate the music that I’ve never tired of. I may have burnt out on Zep, Aerosmith and other bands of that era but I’ve never burned out on Sabbath.
@Luciano Paciornick He's done Supernaut, believe it or not. I'm still in shock that a drummer is breaking down Bill Wards stuff SO WELL!! I've been a sabbath fan since 1978 and i started to take up drumming inspired by Ward, Paice and Bonham.....the English Holy trinity of Rock in the 70's for drum In spiration!! Wish he would try to get an interview will Bill Ward - it would BE SO MUTELY BENEFICIAL FOR BOTH OF THEM, and, thus for all of us!! Cheers!
You really needed a great drummer back then even more than a great guitar player. Every heavy rock band from the late 60's and early 70's was grounded with a solid drummer.
Awesome videos Andrew! Bill Ward is just one of the greatest and you’re showcasing it in your channel. You mention many times the similarities between Ward’s and Bonham’s playing techniques. They’re both originally from Birmingham and they were friends since they were 15 years old, playing in different bands but sharing gigs at the same clubs many nights.
Ward is an absolute machine, top three drummer of mine and I'm a huuuuuge Rush fan. But, the thing that kills me every time on this song is, as a guitarist, Iommi's tone. Absolutely nuclear.
As a guitarist I was always aware of Bill Ward's unique drum attack. After seeing them in '78 there is no doubt one of the top two drummers at that time(you know the other). Serious question for you Andrew; How much has Bill Ward opened your mind to expanding your drumming from this point on?
People that have partaken in the songs namesake are in the know on just what that crazy middle section represents. Geezer and Ward lock in together on this track so damn well. Sabbath doesn't get enough credit for just how good a rhythm section Butler and Ward were.
I love this dude and his Black Sabbath reactions. I cannot believe that before his Sabbath reactions, he actually never heard of them, more than the name of the band..Their first 6 albums are for me the best music ever.
Again Mike doing the Metal Gods work. The beginnings of Stoner Metal, one of many genre our beloved Sab4 were responsible for Spawning. A metal anthem.
Man, i was waiting for this to happen for a long time. After i saw you doing the first couple sabbath reactions and sticking with them i was hoping for sweet leaf to follow. Outstanding song, album, band. Cheers, keep the good stuff coming!
I still remember sneaking into my older brother's room and playing his albums when he wasn't around. This album was super super heavy when I heard it the first time and still is. Awesome stuff. Judas Priest's Sad Wings of Destiny, Deep Purple's Burn, Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow (1st album), and AC/DC Highway to Hell and High Voltage all got play throughs many times as a young teenager. Great listening all around.
Check out the videos from the live DVD Never Say Die from the Hammersmith Odeon, London 1978. They are all on UA-cam I’m pretty sure. You will see Ozzy standing to the right of the stage and Tony at centre stage. Some amazing solos from that show. Dirty Women is a face melter, and you get a close up on Tony’s fingers on the frets and it looks effortless.
At the end of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ “Give it Away”, at the end of it, they just start playing this riff over the rest of the song Oh, & Bill had two kick drums by this time, you can really hear it in the break down for Into the Void (& also from plenty of photos from the time)
@@simonagger206 Bonhan was notoriously jealous of Bill’s bass drums. Bonham had two on his first tour out with Zeppelin (a copy of Carmine Appice’s kit), but at the end of the tour Page forbade him from using it, as he didn’t like it. So every time Bonham hung out with Sabbath he’d jump on Bill’s kit & go nuts
Maybe the best album ever created. (The 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th Sabbath albums are the other ”maybe’s” 😄) Andrew! This is the only channel i support via patreon for a reason! (I’m not even a drummer) 🙏🏻 Mike! Legendary picks as always, Rock on! 🙌🏻🤘🏻
It's hard to believe now, but back in the day I thought Sabbath were a embarrassing guilty pleasure. Being a prog head, I thought this music was simplistic or primitive in comparison, but I kept coming back to it. I had no idea why. Now I know. It's not so simple, but even if it were, simple isn't easy. I'm glad they are now widely recognized as the innovators they were.
Bill Ward is a god. Maybe the best ever, there's days when I think he is. So creative, always found the perfect beat for any riff Iommi could throw at him. Some other great Ward performances are Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, Backstreet Kids, All Moving Parts Stand Still. But really, every single Sabbath track with Bill Ward is a classic drum performance.
I've been a Sabbath fan for 40 years and I never heard the Tony was in the middle because he's the star, I always heard the sound was too loud for ozzy so he moved to the side.
First sabbath track I ever heard after iron man and I still remember how it shook me. I think a lot of modern metal misses this by sacrificing swag and technicality for speed
Love your reaction and analysis Andrew. Their albums up to and including Sabotage are unique and mind blowing and in my late teens and to this day have excited me the way they excite you now. Honestly, after Sabotage it wasn't the same band for me apart from rare nuggets. Tony Iommi remains one of my all time favourite guitarists and I loved his collaboration with Glenn Hughes, album Fused (checkout Grace). It's been great seeing your journey through the first albums, thanks Andrew 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Iron Man is a Black Sabbath track. You also want to have a listen to 'Rumble' by Link Wray from 1958,often referred to as proto metal,strong riffs. Also listen to 'You really got me' by The Kinks, Dave Davies cut the cones in the speakers to get distortion. Again referred to as proto metal/hard rock. I can't do PayPal or Patreon request,I'm 70 & on a pension,so not a lot of spare money.
Absolutely love your videos! I was introduced to Black Sabbath, about 35 years ago, but until your videos, really did not appreciate the talent and skill involved with them making music. I just watched the video entitled "Black Sabbath - Master of Reality | The Documentary" and it's about this album (mainly), but really encapsulates what you have been saying concerning Black Sabbath with your many "react" videos. Please give it a watch if you can! Many Thanks!
Very insightful comment on - space - between the beats. around @10:15 also: "This is the Blueprint" Yes! Iommi as "another Hendrix" - Yes! band heavily psychedelic. tho, a bit darker too, obviously! Riff Master Double Bass Question? He is almost certainly playing Double Bass drums. Definitely on Children of the Grave (via Bill Ward interviews), so likely also here too. The Mix - The drums are so clean and clear here in the mix. Bill Ward always cites this as one of their best albums. By contrast, Vol IV is very muddy (lo fi, !). You can hear so much of what he does ( a lot!) on this one. Production then gets very intricate on 5th & 6th albums.
As always great reaction Andrew. I think you listened to most of the Master of Reality album except for After Forever. Once again Sabbath changes gears and styles in the song. Unfortunately drums are a little back in the mix but Geezer's bass is awesome. Check it out.
After Forever......a MONSTER of a riff and always SO MUCH FUN TO COVER playing in bands. The Riff. The lyrics. The 1-2 punch after Sweat Leaf. Bloody hell. Brilliant. Saw them play it live in the U.S. on their reunion tour in 1999. My life was complete!! Bill ward live! Cheers.
Hi Andrew. Are you aware that you said "Hey what is up Andrew, it is You Tube Here" ?? hahaha ... did you have some sweet leaf? Love your reactions. I'm not a drummer and I can't read music, but I do enjoy seeing the Drumeo with the curser following along. I'm hoping to get it by osmosis or something.
When I saw you were doing this one yesterday I put the track on. Then I let whole album play. It’s got to be one of the easiest lp’s to finish. All the songs are either short and interesting, or ultimate classics. Like I said in my comment on your last Sabbath reaction, you wouldn’t be out of line just doing the whole album. Also, for fun everybody check out “Sweet Loaf” by Butthole Surfers.
There's isolated tracks of sweet leaf, into the void, after forever, and children of the grave if you ever want a clearer listen to what Bill is doing. Oh I missed it last week, part of the transcript is wrong, he was doing straight 16th notes on the bass drum in some of the solo part. (Again you can hear that in the isolated track)
1971 I was in the 7th grade in a rock band and had a paper route. The kids(brothers) up the block had a basement we practiced in. They were older than me. The bass player was a freshman and his brother(drummer/guitar) was a Junior. I played guitar/drums and was a drummer in the jr high band and sang in the church choir. We played CCR GFR and some "bubblegum" music. I had a 2 foot stack of 45s by then and had just join the Columbia Record Club....LOL. So I had Steppenwolf, Three Dog Night, Gary Puckett and so on. One day I am at the IGA store and see this cool looking album. Black and Purple with "invisible" letters. I had just come from the hardware store where I made a payment on a new bike I bought. I had just enough money left to buy it. Had no idea who the band was. Got it home and......cough.cough...cough....was the first thing I heard. I was a true metalhead by the time I was half way through Children Of the Grave. Some might say Steppenwolf was "metal"...not really..they were hard rock. Even "Born To Be Wild" had nothing to do with metal music.
Oh yeah......so I am a musician for over 50 years...and a pothead....it was not until the 2000s that I realized the song was about Mary Jane. I learned the song as a kid ...I thought it was about a girl.....but not Mary....haha
Man if you think “Iron Man” doesn’t represent Black Sabbath’s work well, you definitely need to revisit it critically. “Iron Man” is an absolutely epic classic Sabbath track, from their 1970 Paranoid album. It rocks so hard to this day. I think a lot of people have just discounted it in their minds due to it being one of their most-well known tracks and unfortunately later linked to the marvel Iron Man movie, because it was used in the credits..
![YES!!! | FIRST TIME HEARING Black Sabbath - "Sweet Leaf" [REACTION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RcagJ5D2f9s/mqdefault.jpg)
Man, I'm not a drummer, but the vibe I get from Ward's drumming just slays.
me either, but I love Sabbath so much that I watch every one of these. Gives me a great appreciation for Bill, he's so underrated. Another reason why to me Sabbath starts and ends w/ the original lineup.
@@dylanadams1455 no bill no sabbath been saying it for years,my dad was a big swing big band fan and loved bill
I’m 65 years old. I was 13 when I bought this album. My dad, (RIP) asked me, “Do you know what this song is about?” I said no. His response was, “ The music might sound cool, but songs are messages. Listen, and figure out the message.” I had the coolest dad on the planet! Miss you pop.
Most underrated drummer in rock...every bit as good as Bonham..
Underrated indeed 💯👌
@@AndrewRooneyDrums That drummer is limitated. Bonham is a million times better.
@@nazacruz6372 Every drummer is a human being, and therefore has their own limitations...including John Bonham.
How Bill Ward rarely comes to mind as one of the all time greats is criminal.
The Alex Lifeson of drums.
Great analogy!
Well said Bill!
Bill Ward started using 2 bass drums on Master of Reality
It’s awesome. I can’t imagine the world without Sabbath. This stuff was groundbreaking and it still makes me feel amazing after all these years. Appreciate the video.
i bought the first album in 1970 and never looked back. im now 67 years old and i will perish with BS music. as a 14 yr old kid listening to Black Sabbath first american album was incredible music change from three dog night. these 4 dudes are the foundation of heavy metal and they did it without raunch. everything they did had musicality and purpose. probably the most underrated band in history. decades later hollywood films are continue using their materials. their music will never die....NEVER SAY DIE !
Your reaction to the middle break was priceless everything about this is amazing the bass and drums are so locked in and perfect for the simple Iommi riff
Was waiting for the reaction to the solo and the return to the main riff. Love it.
I was about 14 when I really got into Sabbath so it was around 1977 and I had heard Parinoid and Iron Man, when I first heard Sweet Leaf I was in the back seat of an older friends car. He put in Master of Reality 8 track on and bam, first song Sweet Leaf. It's not great to say but I got turned on to Mescaline for the first time. Sitting in the back seat with Sweet Leaf on and the driver of the car of course was on it too and about 2:00 in the morning we were in a big empty parking lot doing about 70 miles an hour and we were weaving around light poles. At almost 60 now I think about it and say how the hell did we do these things. It wasn't the music that made us do it, but it was just the times. Still to this day when I listen to that song it brings me back to that time. It took all four of those musicians to make that kind of music. If you took one person out of the band it would not have happened. Bill Ward was not a typical rock drummer, he was more of a swing drummer, big band music. It was just a shame that he did not do the final tour.
.
I read an excerpt from a critic years ago that likened this album and Black Sabbath's sound and performance
as " four Cro-Magnon hunters that had stumbled upon a rock band's equipment after a bad day chasing meat."
Love it!
there was a lot of snobbery from Rock critics backin the day. They hated Zep too. Just goes to show you how full of shit they are. 90s English critics were especially full of themselves.
@@dylanadams1455 yep! I loved hearing the story about Iommi finally beating one of them up in a parking lot by wrapping his Rolex around his knuckles!
@Mike G. Agreed.
Apparently he was good with his hands from a young age, learning to box and taking Judo to defend himself in the tough neighborhoods of Handsworth, Birmingham.
Fitting name.
I watch just to see another person smile. The master Ward paved the way for all.
Blows me away every time... Everything about this song is perfect! The vibe the tone the groove the riffage the vocals.... *italian kiss* simply beautiful! I LOVE YA SWEETLEAF!
I've always heard that story about Tony being in the center because he wanted to be the center of attention. That's bunk, Ozzy himself has said he preferred stage right because Geezer's bass was so loud live that he couldn't hear the rest of the band and himself good enough. If you watch the 1970 show in Paris they have this lineup but Tony spends the whole show back behind Ozzy next to Bill Ward, never really taking "center" stage. You can see it again during the 1974 California Jam show. With the exception of a few solo parts Tony is pretty much always back behind Ozzy next to Bill.
Fun Fact: The name of this song came from a package of cigarettes that Geezer had and the brand catch phrase was "It's the sweet leaf!"
That's right that it wasn't because he wanted to be the center of attention, but for a long period he was center stage with a spotlight on him the whole time. That's what everyone was clamoring for at the time. ua-cam.com/video/J8B4BdAs0h4/v-deo.html
@@mikeg.4211 That wasn't until after 1976 and Ozzy quitting the band twice. By the time they played that 1978 show at Hammersmith Tony had taken control of the band and the animosity between him and Ozzy was at breaking point.
I love your technical explanations of Bill's drumming. For a non drummer I knew I loved it from the first minute I heard it back in the mid 70's & I still love it now. Your explanation means I can listen to it with new ears even now.
For that I thank thee.
Too kind!
Thanks for watching!
As a teenager in the late 1980s I called my local, small town rock radio station and requested this song. It made my day when they actually played it!! One of my all time favorites!
Very cool memory, Jeff!
Honestly, when Sabbath stops the fast part and goes back into the groove again, that may be the most musically gifted thing any band has ever done.
The title of the song comes from a packet of cigarettes that Geezer brought back from a holiday in Ireland - "Sweet Afton - it's the sweet leaf". Bill himself has stated he is more of an orchestrator than a drummer - as he relies on feel more than technique. He might be humble, but there is no doubt he is a beast of a drummer.
Man I love this song, the members and I of my very first band used to just shout "ALL RIGHT, NOW!" constantly to each other during practice and gigs. Great times and memories.
Another great video ANDREW. I’m always excited to see someone recognize Black Sabbath for what they really are…four world class musicians who when together made timeless music. My one suggestion is that one week per month you do a Sabbath week. You’ve already done the debut album, so now you need to do each album, top to bottom. Each record has its own feel, its own sound. I think that would be AWESOME. You can’t beat a Sabbath week other than a Sabbath week per month!!!! THNAK YOU for this. I hope Bill Wars sees this. He deserves recognition for one of the greatest drummers of all time.
Hail the leaf..this is so catchy and is one of their best songs on their catalog 🤘👍✌️
Blessed be the leaf 🍃
Long live the Leaf. Excellent tune! 😎👍
What’s incredible to me is that I’ve been a Black Sabbath fan for over 40 years and you point out all these little things that I’ve never quite paid attention to. I just know it kicked ass.
Love your channel and love that you are a Sabbath/Bill Ward fan. He doesn’t get mentioned enough with the top drummers of his day.
First song I heard after buying the album through the Columbia Record Club in 1972. Played in my parent's room because they had a nicer stereo. The intro and beginning shook me and I have been hooked ever since!
Cheers Andrew Rooney!!! Makes my week with those priceless first time sabbath reactions.....helps me relive over and over the sheer joy of not just listening to these songs but attempting to play them like Bill did.....smooth, unpredictable, off the cuff, behind the beat slightly, displaced notes and spaces, snare work instead of backbests, Tom and bass drum fills instead of ' predictable academically pleasing sticking around the toms'...and all in a realm of 'no time' orchestrating to support the riffs and offer some light and shade. You absolutely have to interview Bill....this recognition exists no where else as well articulated as it is on your channel as a record of what Bill Wards contribution means to all us drummers and the Black Sabbath fan community worldwide. Thanks again....looking forward to so many more tracks that have yet to blow your mind!... don't worry...you have plenty to still catch up on involving the fab four of heavy rock/metal. Cheers.
Great to hear Simon. This is a blast
Wow, Simon, well said! Stay tuned for something that I think you'll find interesting and possibly unexpected that was very heavily influenced by Sabbath; namely the first two tracks from The Scorpions first album in 1972 (Lonesome Crow), before they changed their style to go for commercial power ballad cash.
BILL is awesome not only his swing but the feel is amazing and IMO can't be charted but felt
A lot of feel there
Thank you Mike Gannon. Your support of this channel makes it possible for the likes of me to be able to enjoy it even though I can't afford to help.
You're awesome, Raggedy! Thank you so much! I appreciate you, man!
👏👏👏
Well said, thank you very much Mike 👏🏻
@@richardfairlamb9728 😊👍
Mike pls recommend some songs of the Ozzy solo career like Breakin all the rules for example
My fav Sabbath song!! Ozzy sounds so good on this song. 🤘🏻🤘🏻
What an amazing opening song for Master Of Reality! You know what you're going to get for the rest of the album with that killer riff & incredible musicianship! Bill Ward is such a killer drummer. I've always thought so!
If you want a completely different vibe, check the song Solitude from this album - it's what made me realize that Ozzy has quite a beautiful voice, and that Sabbath weren't just a 'metal' band! The song is a complete trip!
This is my #1 Sabbath album - it was also the first album I was exposed to by them - I just had a compilation album before this.
Keep them coming Andrew! Can do no wrong with Black Sabbath! Cheers.
Also, Darren, on Solitude we get the rare treat of hearing Iommi playing the flute! ;)
that part starting at 8:18 is the kind of things that nobody can play exactly as it was recorded
Absolutely!
I totally enjoy watching you discover and break down my favorite band which was sound track of my teens during the 70’s. This really brings a newness to it all for me and just helps me appreciate the music that I’ve never tired of. I may have burnt out on Zep, Aerosmith and other bands of that era but I’ve never burned out on Sabbath.
Listened to this way too much with headphones in the early 70's as an impressionable youth. What a heavy tune. Love it. Love the album.
Hey Andrew, you should be doing "Snowblind" next up. I am sure you will enjoy listening to it
He hasn’t reacted to snow blind yet!!!?? Ohhh that’s gonna be a GOOD ONE!!!
That and Supernaut! Bill Ward's playing on Vol. 4 is friggin' insane.
@Luciano Paciornick He's done Supernaut, believe it or not. I'm still in shock that a drummer is breaking down Bill Wards stuff SO WELL!! I've been a sabbath fan since 1978 and i started to take up drumming inspired by Ward, Paice and Bonham.....the English Holy trinity of Rock in the 70's for drum In spiration!! Wish he would try to get an interview will Bill Ward - it would BE SO MUTELY BENEFICIAL FOR BOTH OF THEM, and, thus for all of us!! Cheers!
@@simonagger206 That's right! I remember watching it... I think. Maybe I'll just go watch it again. 😁😁
One of my favourite Sabbath songs. Great reaction.
Masters of tension, masters of craft and most importantly Masters of Reality!
Huzzah! You, good sir, are surely a Supernaut.
listen to this album.chris goss was a huge sabbath fan..... ua-cam.com/video/rLflIElo3wo/v-deo.htmlsi=1NStjZTY1FG01A_k
You really needed a great drummer back then even more than a great guitar player. Every heavy rock band from the late 60's and early 70's was grounded with a solid drummer.
Bad drummer? Bad band.
Simple as that
One of the most perfect riffs in the history of metal...and the same goes for every other track on Master of Reality. \m/ \m/
Awesome videos Andrew! Bill Ward is just one of the greatest and you’re showcasing it in your channel. You mention many times the similarities between Ward’s and Bonham’s playing techniques. They’re both originally from Birmingham and they were friends since they were 15 years old, playing in different bands but sharing gigs at the same clubs many nights.
Ward is an absolute machine, top three drummer of mine and I'm a huuuuuge Rush fan. But, the thing that kills me every time on this song is, as a guitarist, Iommi's tone. Absolutely nuclear.
As a guitarist I was always aware of Bill Ward's unique drum attack. After seeing them in '78 there is no doubt one of the top two drummers at that time(you know the other). Serious question for you Andrew; How much has Bill Ward opened your mind to expanding your drumming from this point on?
People that have partaken in the songs namesake are in the know on just what that crazy middle section represents. Geezer and Ward lock in together on this track so damn well. Sabbath doesn't get enough credit for just how good a rhythm section Butler and Ward were.
why your appreciation/acknowledgement gives me such joy...I feel you have validated an earlier generation, & it feels GREAT!🤗👏
Love that! 🙏
I love this dude and his Black Sabbath reactions. I cannot believe that before his Sabbath reactions, he actually never heard of them, more than the name of the band..Their first 6 albums are for me the best music ever.
I'm a new fan for sure
@@AndrewRooneyDrums BTW Cornucopia is pretty good song too (from Vol. 4 )
I was 12 when this song came out in 1971 LOVED IT!
🙌
Não haverá outro igual a Bill Ward 💥💥💥
Bill Ward never got the recognition he deserved.
Too true.
Couldn’t press like quick enough! Very excited you’re reacting to this classic monster.
FINALLY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yeaaahhhhhh!
Again Mike doing the Metal Gods work. The beginnings of Stoner Metal, one of many genre our beloved Sab4 were responsible for Spawning. A metal anthem.
Thanks so much, man!
Man, i was waiting for this to happen for a long time. After i saw you doing the first couple sabbath reactions and sticking with them i was hoping for sweet leaf to follow. Outstanding song, album, band. Cheers, keep the good stuff coming!
Being a huge Sabbath fan, I appreciate it even more with your analysis. Thank you!
I still remember sneaking into my older brother's room and playing his albums when he wasn't around. This album was super super heavy when I heard it the first time and still is. Awesome stuff. Judas Priest's Sad Wings of Destiny, Deep Purple's Burn, Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow (1st album), and AC/DC Highway to Hell and High Voltage all got play throughs many times as a young teenager. Great listening all around.
These men were in fact MASTERs of their craft!!! No doubt about that, FACT! Per your usual thank you Andrew.......
Ozzys timing and feel on the outro…. Sublime.
Check out the videos from the live DVD Never Say Die from the Hammersmith Odeon, London 1978. They are all on UA-cam I’m pretty sure. You will see Ozzy standing to the right of the stage and Tony at centre stage. Some amazing solos from that show. Dirty Women is a face melter, and you get a close up on Tony’s fingers on the frets and it looks effortless.
sometimes i think this is the best metal album ever made
I think you're right. It starts with this as the first track, and ends with Inti the Void, with nothing but classics in between.
@@mikeg.4211 When you've heard it so many times, it's easy forget how good it is. Into the Void is a close to perfection as I can imagine.
@@papalaz4444244 , you said it!
@@papalaz4444244 well said! 😎👍🤟
At the end of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ “Give it Away”, at the end of it, they just start playing this riff over the rest of the song
Oh, & Bill had two kick drums by this time, you can really hear it in the break down for Into the Void (& also from plenty of photos from the time)
Yes. This was the first album he began using 2 bass drums, .....sparingly. Although some of those single pedal runs did also probably occur!
@@simonagger206 Bonhan was notoriously jealous of Bill’s bass drums. Bonham had two on his first tour out with Zeppelin (a copy of Carmine Appice’s kit), but at the end of the tour Page forbade him from using it, as he didn’t like it.
So every time Bonham hung out with Sabbath he’d jump on Bill’s kit & go nuts
I love your speechless pauses because I TOTALLY identify with you!!
Haha! 👌
You introduced me to my mind.
🤯
Maybe the best album ever created.
(The 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th Sabbath albums are the other ”maybe’s” 😄)
Andrew! This is the only channel i support via patreon for a reason! (I’m not even a drummer) 🙏🏻
Mike! Legendary picks as always, Rock on! 🙌🏻🤘🏻
You're too awesome, Stefan!!!! I appreciate you, brother!
@@mikeg.4211 Loving your weekly Sabbath Picks!! Cheers mate! Now he HAS to do After Forever!! Will blow his mind!!
This is my go to Sabbath Album. Bass heavy grooves abound!!
It's hard to believe now, but back in the day I thought Sabbath were a embarrassing guilty pleasure. Being a prog head, I thought this music was simplistic or primitive in comparison, but I kept coming back to it. I had no idea why. Now I know. It's not so simple, but even if it were, simple isn't easy. I'm glad they are now widely recognized as the innovators they were.
In my opinion, Sabbath are very progressive, but I also think they can't be pidgeon-holed; like Rush, they are their own unique entity.
All time greats, is Bill Ward. I really envy great drummers. All the band members, all masters of they craft.
Nobody today is learning Jazz drumming and bringing it to their music. Everyone is starting with Rock drumming.
I have listened to drums only version of this song a billion, jillion, times on UA-cam. It is phenomenal!
Masters of tension, masters of the craft. Also, masters of reality apparently ;)
🙌
Bill Ward is a god. Maybe the best ever, there's days when I think he is. So creative, always found the perfect beat for any riff Iommi could throw at him. Some other great Ward performances are Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, Backstreet Kids, All Moving Parts Stand Still. But really, every single Sabbath track with Bill Ward is a classic drum performance.
Phenomenal drummer
Met him, he was very kind. ❤
EXCELLENT
This song should be listened to at a volume that borders on detrimental to the audio equipment.
Edit: Mike Gearman 👏🍻
Edit2: 8:17 Geezer goes HAM! 💪
Hahaha! Awesome!
your reaction at 8:25 is priceless!
🤣👌
I've been a Sabbath fan for 40 years and I never heard the Tony was in the middle because he's the star, I always heard the sound was too loud for ozzy so he moved to the side.
The album "Technical ecstasy " has some great drumming in it, particularly the songs "Gypsy " and "All moving parts".
First sabbath track I ever heard after iron man and I still remember how it shook me. I think a lot of modern metal misses this by sacrificing swag and technicality for speed
Correct! A lot of bands (and people in general) don't understand what the word "heavy" means. It's not about speed.
Agreed. What a lot of metal bands miss about Sabbath is their groove and swing. Grunge bands understood it more in my opinion.
Love your reaction and analysis Andrew. Their albums up to and including Sabotage are unique and mind blowing and in my late teens and to this day have excited me the way they excite you now. Honestly, after Sabotage it wasn't the same band for me apart from rare nuggets. Tony Iommi remains one of my all time favourite guitarists and I loved his collaboration with Glenn Hughes, album Fused (checkout Grace). It's been great seeing your journey through the first albums, thanks Andrew 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Iron Man is a Black Sabbath track.
You also want to have a listen to 'Rumble' by Link Wray from 1958,often referred to as proto metal,strong riffs.
Also listen to 'You really got me' by The Kinks, Dave Davies cut the cones in the speakers to get distortion. Again referred to as proto metal/hard rock.
I can't do PayPal or Patreon request,I'm 70 & on a pension,so not a lot of spare money.
Right, he's in between a lot, but on purpose. And its so dang GOOD!
Did you ever go back and listen to the studio version of "Hand of Doom?"
7:30 to 7:738 "listeb for these 4 bass drums in a row". those are actually tom-toms. the bass drum is notated on a bottom (f) space.
…as always a great reaction to a monumental track. Just waiting for Snowblind to pop up. You’ll love it😁
I’ll get there!
Appreciate YOUR appreciation!😊
Absolutely love your videos! I was introduced to Black Sabbath, about 35 years ago, but until your videos, really did not appreciate the talent and skill involved with them making music. I just watched the video entitled "Black Sabbath - Master of Reality | The Documentary" and it's about this album (mainly), but really encapsulates what you have been saying concerning Black Sabbath with your many "react" videos. Please give it a watch if you can! Many Thanks!
Andrew, I suggest you react to Snowblind and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. I guarantee you more ecstasy when listening to the sacred Black Sabbath.
really impressive how he locks the time very naturally.
that solo rolls!!!!!!
And this is just their 3rd album,mind blowing.
The 3rd album in 2 years (!!!)
@G-man it's the quality they were producing in that time frame that's mind blowing
That intro was my ring tone. 😂people would stop in their tracks and stare at me while out and about.
Bill Ward, early on in Black Sabbath, used a 4 piece jazz kit. Later on, he used a bigger dabble bass kit.
Very insightful comment on - space - between the beats. around @10:15
also: "This is the Blueprint" Yes!
Iommi as "another Hendrix" - Yes! band heavily psychedelic. tho, a bit darker too, obviously! Riff Master
Double Bass Question? He is almost certainly playing Double Bass drums. Definitely on Children of the Grave (via Bill Ward interviews), so likely also here too.
The Mix - The drums are so clean and clear here in the mix. Bill Ward always cites this as one of their best albums. By contrast, Vol IV is very muddy (lo fi, !). You can hear so much of what he does ( a lot!) on this one. Production then gets very intricate on 5th & 6th albums.
Mike... you're saving the best to the end... Snowblind!!!!!! Jajjajajaaja cheers from Argentina!!!!!!
HAHA. We shall get there
Tried to play this in my band as a young teen. Got to the middle section and gave up. On to smoke on the water !
As always great reaction Andrew. I think you listened to most of the Master of Reality album except for After Forever. Once again Sabbath changes gears and styles in the song. Unfortunately drums are a little back in the mix but Geezer's bass is awesome. Check it out.
After Forever......a MONSTER of a riff and always SO MUCH FUN TO COVER playing in bands. The Riff. The lyrics. The 1-2 punch after Sweat Leaf. Bloody hell. Brilliant. Saw them play it live in the U.S. on their reunion tour in 1999. My life was complete!! Bill ward live! Cheers.
Hi Andrew. Are you aware that you said "Hey what is up Andrew, it is You Tube Here" ?? hahaha ... did you have some sweet leaf? Love your reactions. I'm not a drummer and I can't read music, but I do enjoy seeing the Drumeo with the curser following along. I'm hoping to get it by osmosis or something.
Sabbath.
all killer, no filler.
So glad you appreciate them Like I did (and do)
I thought I was the only person that noticed Iommi at center stage with Ozzy right and Guezer to the left. Insane!! No one does that.
When I saw you were doing this one yesterday I put the track on. Then I let whole album play. It’s got to be one of the easiest lp’s to finish. All the songs are either short and interesting, or ultimate classics.
Like I said in my comment on your last Sabbath reaction, you wouldn’t be out of line just doing the whole album.
Also, for fun everybody check out “Sweet Loaf” by Butthole Surfers.
The straight swagger example you did stumbled right into thunder kiss 65 white zombie lolol.
There's isolated tracks of sweet leaf, into the void, after forever, and children of the grave if you ever want a clearer listen to what Bill is doing. Oh I missed it last week, part of the transcript is wrong, he was doing straight 16th notes on the bass drum in some of the solo part. (Again you can hear that in the isolated track)
save this one for 4/20 lol
1971 I was in the 7th grade in a rock band and had a paper route. The kids(brothers) up the block had a basement we practiced in. They were older than me. The bass player was a freshman and his brother(drummer/guitar) was a Junior. I played guitar/drums and was a drummer in the jr high band and sang in the church choir. We played CCR GFR and some "bubblegum" music. I had a 2 foot stack of 45s by then and had just join the Columbia Record Club....LOL. So I had Steppenwolf, Three Dog Night, Gary Puckett and so on. One day I am at the IGA store and see this cool looking album. Black and Purple with "invisible" letters. I had just come from the hardware store where I made a payment on a new bike I bought. I had just enough money left to buy it. Had no idea who the band was. Got it home and......cough.cough...cough....was the first thing I heard. I was a true metalhead by the time I was half way through Children Of the Grave. Some might say Steppenwolf was "metal"...not really..they were hard rock. Even "Born To Be Wild" had nothing to do with metal music.
Oh yeah......so I am a musician for over 50 years...and a pothead....it was not until the 2000s that I realized the song was about Mary Jane. I learned the song as a kid ...I thought it was about a girl.....but not Mary....haha
Man if you think “Iron Man” doesn’t represent Black Sabbath’s work well, you definitely need to revisit it critically. “Iron Man” is an absolutely epic classic Sabbath track, from their 1970 Paranoid album. It rocks so hard to this day. I think a lot of people have just discounted it in their minds due to it being one of their most-well known tracks and unfortunately later linked to the marvel Iron Man movie, because it was used in the credits..
Can NOT wait to get to it!!!
Since you mentioned "Iron Man," I'd like to hear you do a critical reaction of that, see if you hear it the same now knowing what you do of the band.