But it wasn't easy, mind you. Along the way, Black Sabbath was accused of being a Satanic band, sometimes suffering violence from religious fanatics. They consumed prodigious amounts of controlled substances that led to health problems. They even occasionally lit drummer Bill Ward on fire - with his consent, mind you - for comic relief.
The hard-partying antics of Black Sabbath are legendary. Can you tell which of the below stories are fact, and which are fiction?
For more rock star excess, childhood recollections, stories from the studio, and strange encounters with the occult, check out Iron Man: My Journey through Heaven and Hell with Black Sabbath. It dispels lingering myths, then recounts real events that are even more bizarre and outrageous, all in Tony Iommi's authentic, wry wit.
Click here to visit the Black Sabbath Artistfacts entry
Comments: 15
No one ever talks about Black Sabbath when Tony Martin was the singer, he never gets any credit.
-Steve from Bakersfield, CA
never get tired of Ozzy but I'm gettin to old to remember everything!
-kate from oklahoma city
Can't blame me for my memory lapse. I was stoned most of the time
-Ozzy Osbourne from Burmingham England
10 from 10!!! really surprised myself. Thanx
-Stephanie from Australia
not one missed great thanks! all those trivia games finallypaid off
-ozzyfan from australia
9 of 10, surprised myself! I think maybe I'm spending too much time reading Songfacts! :)
-Wayne from Crockett, Texas
GREAT! 8 OF 9
-COLAPSUS from MEXICO
Wow! I got them all right! Sometimes you don't realise how much you know until your knowledge is put to the test :)
-Mandi from Johannesburg, South Africa
I guess I should have followed Black Sabbath a litte bit closer. I only got 3 correct. Boy, do I feel stupid !
-Dennis from Florida, U.S.A.
Thank God I read Ozzy's book! :D
-Airling from California