Does Black Sabbath’s New Official Book Tell the Whole Story?

The first-ever official Black Sabbath book has been announced by Rufus Publications—but does it tell the complete story of the band? The Masters of Reality – Why Black Sabbath Matter is a huge 500-page volume created by photographer Ross Halfin in collaboration with Black Sabbath. It contains rare photographs, memorabilia and new interviews with Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward. The signed editions, priced at £650 and £950, sold out rapidly, while the Standard Edition is available for £99. I have no doubt that this will be a beautifully produced book. Rufus Publications creates some of the finest rock books available, and the original Black Sabbath lineup deserves to be celebrated. My question concerns its scope. By covering only the Ozzy Osbourne incarnations, could albums featuring Ronnie James Dio, Ian Gillan, Glenn Hughes and Tony Martin gradually be pushed out of the recognised Black Sabbath story? Albums such as Heaven and Hell, Mob Rules, Born Again, The Eternal Idol, Headless Cross and Tyr are all an essential part of the band’s history. Tony Iommi kept Black Sabbath alive after Ozzy’s departure—but will future generations remember that? This isn’t a condemnation of the book. It is a question about legacy, history and what we collectively regard as the “real” Black Sabbath. Let me know what you think in the comments. Music is the healer and the doctor.