Geezer Butler: Live with Heaven and Hell, 2007

A.K. · #1 01-27-2010, 12:25 AM

Geezer is one of my favorite bassists. I am unusual, I guess, in that I prefer his work from the Dio-era Sabbath (and the Ian Gillan version) much better than the Ozzy era.

His playing on "Heaven and Hell," "Mob Rules" (my favorite of the Dio-era albums), and "Dehumanizer" were very inspiring to me when I first picked up the instrument. He has a very interesting technique, too.

I love playing "Children of the Sea" in particular. Probably my favorite Geezer moment, though there are so many to choose from. "Voodoo" and "Sign of the Southern Cross" are fantastic, too.

Here are some cool clips of Geezer and his Lakland:

"Children of the Sea"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8cAdMLvF_A

"Voodoo"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REAHb...eature=related

"Mob Rules"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rajfs...eature=related

Hamrhed · #2 01-27-2010, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A.K.

Geezer is one of my favorite bassists. I am unusual, I guess, in that I prefer his work from the Dio-era Sabbath (and the Ian Gillan version) much better than the Ozzy era.

I dont think that you are unusual at all- I am the same about Geezer! I have had the good fortune to see Butler play twice (H&H's Mob Rules tour playing a BC Rich & w/ Ozzy's Ozmosis tour where he played a Vigier) and he was awesome...

I dig the H&H stuff as well- but gotta have my Paranoid & Vol 4 occasionally. I love 'Sign of the southern cross' & 'slipping away' from Mob rules, and 'Children of the sea' & 'Lady evil' from H&H... killer bass work!

jebmd · #3 01-27-2010, 11:31 AM

Man that brought back memories. +1 for Geezer. Thanks for posting.

SOB H.R.MC · #4 01-27-2010, 11:38 AM

Have you listened to "Juniors Eyes " off of never say die?

A.K. · #5 01-27-2010, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SOB H.R.MC

Have you listened to "Juniors Eyes " off of never say die?

Many times. My favorite track off that album is "A Hard Road."

southclawer · #6 01-27-2010, 11:54 AM

Wishing Well is a sick bassline . Did I say sick ? It is a sick bassline . And a blast to attempt to play .

A.K. · #7 01-27-2010, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by southclawer

Wishing Well is a sick bassline . Did I say sick ? It is a sick bassline . And a blast to attempt to play .

Yep, that is a badass bassline. "Die Young" is awesome, too. That entire album is just a metal bassist's wet dream.

A.K. · #8 01-27-2010, 08:46 PM

The only album I can think of by the original line-up that is the complete equal of the Dio LPs is "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath." A lot of the early stuff I just find too primitive--the vocal melody and basslines following the guitar riff, etc. Yes, they were young and raw, but that still doesn't make me like those songs.

With Dio, Iommi really developed as a writer. It helps having RJD, who is a great lyricist, melodist, and singer. I've always considered Ozzy a second-rate talent who had the good fortune of being surrounded by really, really good musicians.

AK

A.K. · #9 01-27-2010, 08:50 PM

Geezer prefers the Dio years, too. See here for a really interesting interview:

http://blogs.westword.com/backbeat/2...r_of_heave.php

Hamrhed · #10 01-28-2010, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A.K.

With Dio, Iommi really developed as a writer. It helps having RJD, who is a great lyricist, melodist, and singer. I've always considered Ozzy a second-rate talent who had the good fortune of being surrounded by really, really good musicians

I think of Ozzy as unique- vocal wise. Ive never cared for the imagery of either band, really... I just liked the music. I dont care one way or another what Sharon turned Oz into: its just business, but I like his vocals because... who else does that?

I prefer Heaven & Hell and Ozzy as separate entities over the Sabs- although i dig most of the entire repertoire. Much like Geezer- I really like what Bob Daisley did w/ Ozzy's solo material!

TheHegemon · #11 01-28-2010, 06:01 PM

Geezer is probably my biggest influence, I like all the eras though. Probably my favorite songs off that Live 2007 DVD are "Lady Evil" and "I". Amazing tones and playing. I still like the Ozzy era stuff just as much though, "War Pigs", "Behind the Wall of Sleep" have some really great bass parts. I can't think of a Geezer bassline I didn't like, sure some stronger then others but thats every bassist right?

Hamrhed · #12 01-28-2010, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A.K.

The only album I can think of by the original line-up that is the complete equal of the Dio LPs is "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath." A lot of the early stuff I just find too primitive--the vocal melody and basslines following the guitar riff, etc. Yes, they were young and raw, but that still doesn't make me like those songs

Its all a matter of taste. Imho, I think the first 4 albums (Black Sabbath, Paranoid, Master of Reality, & Volume 4) are the best four first albums ever put out by a hard rock band, rivaled only by Zeppelin's first 4 albums. For the time (Volume 4 was what- 72-73?) everything was pretty primitive sounding- and they were basically still a blues based band growing as players. I think its no accident that their recognized classic material comes from those records- but not everyone sees it that way

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheHegemon

Geezer is probably my biggest influence, I like all the eras though. Probably my favorite songs off that Live 2007 DVD are "Lady Evil" and "I". Amazing tones and playing. I still like the Ozzy era stuff just as much though, "War Pigs", "Behind the Wall of Sleep" have some really great bass parts.

Agreed- the Radio city music hall dvd is excellent! I think 'sign of the southern cross' is great as well. Wonder if Geezer could get that sound w/ any other wah pedal besides his trusty Tycobrahe??

nickbear · #13 01-29-2010, 06:21 AM

really cool clips..

i have to admit that my favourite sabbath stuff is the first 5 albums, probably with master of reality being my favourite but its close.

but i still enjoy the dio years

the_hook · #14 01-29-2010, 06:49 AM

A little after I bought a bass I started learning some Black Sabbath tunes right away. The other band I totally dig for bass is Rush and I've learned a bunch of Geddy's bass parts too. Hm...Geddy...Geezer...both great, influential bass players...I see a pattern...

Geezer's playing really interested me, and I agree that their first few albums were killer material that still sound great today.

I've caught a few youtube Sabbath concerts from 1970 (France) when they were in their early period (Iron Man, Paranoid, etc.). Amazing performances from everyone, very raw and powerful.

SMASH · #15 01-29-2010, 07:32 AM

I LOVE the Dio years ! Serious groove, monster hooks and riffs. Lots of talent overtly on display.

You have to be deaf, wilfully ignorant, or have a serious chip on your shoulder not to dig Mob Rules and Heaven & Hell. Two of the best rock albums ever made by any band.

Geezer's lines are always a good study. Thanks for that interview link, A.K.

Turn up the niiiiiight, yeah !!

bassguppy · #16 01-29-2010, 12:58 PM

Definitely one of my major influences early in my bass playing life. The Geezer bass tone during the Dio years was to kill for.

FatCity · #17 01-29-2010, 03:30 PM

Heaven and Hell was my first Sabbath album and still my favorite. My first concert was Black Sabbath with Blue Oyster Cult in 1980...the Heaven and Hell tour. Geezer's playing on that album has always been a benchmark for me. Thanks for the links!

Hamrhed · #18 01-29-2010, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatCity

Heaven and Hell was my first Sabbath album and still my favorite. My first concert was Black Sabbath with Blue Oyster Cult in 1980...the Heaven and Hell tour

Remember the movie from that tour- Black and Blue? That was the best midnight movie ever!

WaldoNova · #19 01-30-2010, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A.K.

Geezer prefers the Dio years, too. See here for a really interesting interview:

http://blogs.westword.com/backbeat/2...r_of_heave.php

Awesome interview. Geezer Butler just seems to be a really cool dude.

A.K. · #20 01-30-2010, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hamrhed

Remember the movie from that tour- Black and Blue? That was the best midnight movie ever!

Apparently, Blue Oyster Cult and Black Sabbath freakin' HATED each other. It was not a pleasant atmosphere backstage.

Did you know that Geezer pulled a knife on Malcolm Young in a bar circa 1978? AC/DC was opening for them, and Geezer was drunk and depressed about how low Sabbath had sunk.

AK