Black Sabbath's 'Heaven and Hell' turns 40

Ronnie James Dio
Photo credit Robert Cianflone / Staff / Getty Images
Although we largely associate Black Sabbath with The Prince of Darkness, let's not forget the legendary songs on Heaven and Hell penned by the late Ronnie James Dio.

 

Dio had been looking for a new singing gig after Rainbow, and Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi was in search of a vocalist. The two immediately clicked, and the songs that were born out of that fresh connection would go on to be fan favorites. 

 

It was April 25th, 1980 that Black Sabbath officially introduced their new lead singer with the release of Heaven and Hell. It was the only Black Sabbath album to include both Dio and drummer Bill Ward.

 

Here are a few facts:

 

This period of Black Sabbath's career is LARGELY credited with the development of the devil horns, Ronnie James Dio's signature move that we rockers still embrace to this day!

 

"Children of the Sea" had been an incomplete song in need of lyrics prior to Dio and Iommi's first jam session. The pair picked up where the guitarist had left off and made it happen.

 

"Neon Knights" may have been the final song written for Heaven and Hell, but it ended up as the powerhouse first track of the album. If this live footage doesn't get your head banging, I don't know what will! 

 

The title track was twice performed with Rob Halford of Judas Priest on the mic when he filled in on vocals for two shows during the Dehumanizer tour. Ozzy was back performing with the band as part of his farewell to fans as he planned his retirement. Dio didn't want anything to do with that, and Rob Halford had just departed Judas Priest, so Sabbath called in a favor!

 

Without quesiton, Ronnie James Dio was one of the greatest metal vocalists of all time. There is a feature-length documentary in the works that will take us on the full journey of his multi-band career and life, which ended when Dio lost his brave battle with stomach cancer at age 67. To make a donation to the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, visit diocancerfund.org. We'll keep you posted on the documentary's release date!

 

A very happy 40th birthday to Heaven and Hell, a fabulous album to listen to front-to-back at home this weekend in celebration. 

 

Happy Rocking (from a safe social distance),

 

Taryn Daly

#TarynItUp