Black Sabbath's been on a bit of a tear recently. The group is up for several Grammys when the ceremony takes place next weekend, it's announced a second leg of its tour in support of 2013's 13 album, and Converse is even releasing a sneaker that's Sabbath themed. What else could a fan ask for?
How about if the group managed to get its classic work, featuring original vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, up on iTunes? No offense to Ronnie James Dio (Osbourne's replacement), but Paranoid and Master of Reality set the ball in motion for modern metal more than any other albums. That wish also came true this week.
"Great news...been a long time trying to explain to fans why the music wasn't available," guitarist Tony Iommi said.
"It's about f-----g time," said Osbourne, even more succinctly.
Despite the apparent regret that Sabbath's works of yesteryear weren't available on iTunes, Iommi didn't offer any reason why not. Sabbath didn't switch labels between Osbourne's last album with the group, Never Say Die!, and the first with Dio, Heaven And Hell. It's also not as if the band were somehow withholding royalties from Osbourne by not having his portion of the catalogue on the service-most of the songwriting was handled by Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler anyhow.
The delay may have been strictly technical. All of the albums, including 2006's compilation Greatest Hits 1970-1978, were remastered especially for iTunes. The albums can be bought track-by-track, album-by-album, or as part of a bundle titled The Complete Studio Albums 1970-1978, which goes for a decent $59.99.
The most recent album has always been available, of course, but the group hasn't ruled out doing another recording during 2014.
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