Barenaked Ladies

An updated 2003 version includes a different cover, information about Disc One and Everything to Everyone, and fixes several typos found in the original version. Did not have a US Top 40 hit. It is published in Canada by Madrigal Press.
. Barenaked Ladies have authorized a biography, Public Stunts Private Stories, written by friend of the band and fellow "Scarberian" Paul Myers, brother of actor Mike Myers. Early incarnations of Black Sabbath merged elements of blues, jazz, and rock and paid their dues playing cover versions of songs by heavy rock acts including Jimi Hendrix, Blue Cheer, and Cream. Thin Buckle features players from several other Canadian alternative bands, such as Rheostatics. Bill Ward has also expressed a fondness for jazz music in general, and for drummer Buddy Rich especially; this jazz influence may be heard on some of Ward's playing with Black Sabbath.

Kevin is the frontman of Kevin Hearn and Thin Buckle, who play a mix of alternative rock and jazz with many other eclectic influences. Tony Iommi was greatly influenced both by Hank Marvin's playing on Cliff Richard and the Shadows' heavy-guitar based recordings and by jazz guitar, particularly that of Django Reinhardt. Jim is part of the alternative/jazz trio The Brothers Creeggan, with brother and former BNL member Andy Creeggan and friend Ian McLauchlan. Black Sabbath had a unique sound that emerged from diverse influences. Both Jim Creeggan and Kevin Hearn have side projects that are worked on during hiatus from BNL touring and studio time. For example the Stonehenge stage set idea in the film was taken from a real stage used by Black Sabbath for their Born Again Tour. They are now working on music for a production of "As You Like It" with the Stratford Festival in Stratford, Ontario and working on an album at Steven Page's farm. Some of the incidents and characters in the spoof rock documentary This Is Spinal Tap are based on Black Sabbath.

BNL just recently completed a pilot for a variety show, tenatively titled Barenaked Ladies Variety Show, and have submitted it to the FOX network. Nonetheless, they are widely acknowledged as the most influential pioneers in the heavy metal field. It is their first independent record since the Yellow Tape and was distributed by Warner Music. The band rarely received any critical praise ("blundering bozos" was one description) and Osbourne's incredible vocal talent has gone horribly unnoticed. The band's most recent album is "Barenaked for the Holidays," which was released on October 5, 2004. They are claiming to release an album featuring new material in 2005. More recently, the latest studio album as well as a single from it have been added. In 1999, 2001, and 2004, the original Black Sabbath reunited and toured on Osbourne's Ozzfest.

In early 2004, the band began offering full live shows for purchase as either download or CD off of an eponymous website (http://www.barenakedladies.com). In 1997-98, the original members of Black Sabbath reunited, toured and released Reunion. With the release of Everything to Everyone, BNL has fulfilled their contract with Reprise Records, which has allowed the band to try internet distribution and an independent album release. In 1995, the 1989-1991 version of the band (iommi/Powell/Martin/Murray/Nicholls) reunited for the album and tour for Forbidden. "Maybe Katie" and an edited version of "For You" from a concert in Glasgow, Scotland were also released as singles to radio. In 1992, the original members of Black Sabbath played three songs after one of Ozzy Osbourne's "retirement" concerts in Costa Mesa, California. "Testing 1,2,3" was the second single off of the album and received a video, but no CD single, while "Celebrity" was released later with a CD single, but no video. In 1992, the 1980-1982 version of Black Sabbath (Iommi/Butler/Dio/Appice) reunited and toured for the album Dehumanizer.

The first single off that album was "Another Postcard," which received modest radio play. They only played three songs. Everything to Everyone was released October 21, 2003. In 1985, the original members of Black Sabbath (Iommi/Butler/Osbourne/Ward) reuinted for the Live Aid benefit concert. The latter was thought by some fans to be a break-up song, because of its title, the fact that it was the last song on the CD, and because its video featured clips from previous videos, but used the Syncro-Vox technique so that the people would lip-sync to the new song. The band took three years off before returning to the road in 2004 to headline yet another Ozzfest tour, celebrating their 35th anniversary. It contains 17 tracks from previous albums, (all of them have been a single, have had their own video, or both) and two new tracks, "It's Only Me (The Wizard of Magicland)" and "Thanks, That Was Fun". The band intially began work on a new album in 2001 with legendary producer Rick Rubin, but Ozzy's solo contract has delayed and perhaps killed further progress on the album.

In 2001, they released a compilation album, entitled Disc One: All Their Greatest Hits 1991-2001. The band had writing sessions together in 2001, and played one new song ("Scary Dreams") on the subsequent tour. However, a new studio album has yet to be released. Maroon, released in 2000, also did fairly well in stores, led by the single "Pinch Me". Black Sabbath has since released at least one authorized double-CD compilation, one double-CD live compilation, and an eight CD box set. The singles "It's All Been Done" which was also used as the opening theme song on the short lived animated TV series Baby Blues and the song "Call and Answer" also came from this highly successful album. The band has also collaberated with singer Tom Jones for a track on his 1999 album Reload. The original Black Sabbath remains together to this day. The band toured, but with friends Chris Brown and Greg Kurstin on keyboards until Kevin recovered enough to rejoin them on the road. Due to health reasons, Bill Ward was replaced on the 1998 tour by former Sabbath drummer Vinnie Appice, but Ward returned to the band the following year.

Immediately after Stunt was released, however, Kevin Hearn was diagnosed with leukemia and had to spend several months in the hospital recovering. With the full original line-up now together, they recorded the double live album Reunion in 1998, which included two brand new studio songs. The band's greatest success to date and greatest recognition within the United States has come from their fourth album, Stunt, released in 1998, buoyed by the #1 single "One Week". However, in December 1997, original drummer Bill Ward joined forces with Osbourne, Iommi, and Butler to reform the original Black Sabbath for the first time since 1979. From two dates on the Born on a Pirate Ship tour during 1996, BNL recorded and released a live album called Rock Spectacle, which had a modest radio hit with "Brian Wilson.". For the last part of his set each night, he was joined by Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi for a rundown on several Sabbath classics (Faith No More drummer Mike Bordin was on drums). Kevin Hearn was hired as the keyboardist for the subsequent tour and then was asked to join the band. In 1997, Ozzy Osbourne launched his wildly successful Ozzfest metal festival tour, which he headlined on a nightly basis.

The album received two large boosts from the Jason Priestley-directed video for "The Old Apartment" and the inclusion of the song "Shoebox" on the Friends soundtrack. In 1996, Castle Records remastered and re-released Black Sabbath's catalog on CD up through Eternal Idol 1987, and a 1988-1995 compilation titled The Sabbath Stones was released to finish Tony Iommi's contract with the record label. The band released Born on a Pirate Ship in 1996 as a quartet. After the recording of the album, Cozy Powell left again and was replaced for the tour by a returning Bobbi Rondinelli. After the release, Andy Creeggan left the band to begin college and to separate himself from the infighting that had taken place after the album's failure. To this date, Forbidden remains Black Sabbath's most recent full-length studio album recorded by any line-up. BNL's second album, Maybe You Should Drive, released in 1994, fared considerably less well with the Canadian public. This time the Tyr era group would again join forces, as drummer Cozy Powell and bassist Neil Murray rejoined Iommi, Martin, and Nicholls for the Ernie C.-produced Forbidden.

The band's first album, Gordon, released in 1992, was a smash hit in Canada and included some of the band's most well-known songs, including "Be My Yoko Ono" (the single which helped fund the album), "If I Had $1000000" (which spawned a macaroni-throwing tradition at live shows that the band has recently been trying to discourage), and "Brian Wilson" (named after the Beach Boy who later covered the song on a live album). Another reunion was on tap in 1995. Sales of the tape were jumpstarted when BNL were taken off the bill of a concert at Toronto's City Hall because a staffer for then-mayor June Rowlands saw the band's name and felt it objectified women, which catapulted BNL into a media frenzy. After the tour, both Ward and Butler parted ways with Iommi, Martin, and Nicholls. The full band's first release of note was the 1991 independent Yellow Tape, the first indie release to achieve platinum status in Canada. His replacement for the rest of the tour was, surprisingly, original Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward. While Andy was on a trip to Ecuador and the band was lacking a percussionist, Tyler Stewart took over the position, and retained it after Andy's return. Vocalist Tony Martin and keyboardist Geoff Nicholls returned to the band and Black Sabbath recorded the superb Cross Purposes, and Cross Purposes Live, a CD and video combination, which was released in late 1994, after which Bobbi Rondinelli left the group mid-tour.

As there were very few copies made of both, these tapes are now extremely rare. After the Dio/Halford debacle, Vinnie Appice was replaced by former Rainbow drummer Bobbi Rondinelli. Barenaked Lunch (also known as the Pink Tape) was released in 1990, and featured two new band members, Andy and Jim Creeggan. Unfortunately, the tape was mastered incorrectly and plays too fast. In the end, Ozzy decided not to retire (following his "No More Tours" tour with the hilariously titled "Retirement Sucks" tour), and contracts were all ready for a new album and tour from the original Black Sabbath line-up, but then Osbourne decided at the last minute that he didn't want to do it. The band's first tape, Buck Naked, released in 1989, was recorded in basements and bedrooms, and featured only Steve and Ed. At the eleventh hour, Dio quit to return to his highly successful solo band, and Rob Halford of Judas Priest was brought in as a last-minute replacement (specifically for this event only). BNL has a reputation as an excellent live band, and are particularly well-known for improvising amusing songs during their shows. Dio refused to participate, pointing out that the shows were booked without ever asking him, that Ozzy had strongly slagged him and the band in past interviews, and that Black Sabbath shouldn't be anybody's opening act.

They formed in 1988 in Scarborough, Ontario, a suburb of Toronto. He kindly requested that Black Sabbath open up for him on his last two shows at Costa Mesa, after which would be Ozzy's solo set, and the night closing with a reunion of the original Black Sabbath line-up. Barenaked Ladies (BNL for short) is a Canadian alternative rock band composed of Kevin Hearn, Ed Robertson, Steven Page, Tyler Stewart, and Jim Creeggan. It was around this time that Ozzy Osbourne announced his retirement from music. Barenaked for the Holidays (2004). Playing to larger audiences then they had in nearly a decade, the rejuvinated Sabbath enjoyed renewed success with the powerful Dehumaziner album and tour. Everything to Everyone (2003). Foudning member Geezer Butler, along with Ronnie James Dio and Vinnie Appice, joined up with Tony Iommi once again (this was the same line-up from 1981's Mob Rules and [[1982's Live Evil) and together they recorded Dehumanizer (1992).

Disc One: All Their Greatest Hits 1991-2001 (2001). Tony Iommi cleaned house in 1992 to reunite the clasic 1980s lineup of Black Sabbath. Maroon (2000). Then the reunions happened. Stunt (1998). The group toured extensively throughout 1990 and 1991, as sales for the highly praised Tyr album continued to rise. Rock Spectacle (1996). Sabbath released Tyr in 1990, cosnidered by many to be one of the best Sababth albums released in the post-Ozzy period.

Born On A Pirate Ship (1996). After the Headless Cross sessions, Laurence Cottle was replaced by veteran bassist Neil Murray (a former bandmate of Cozy Powell's in Whitesnake). Maybe You Should Drive (1994). An MTV video for the title track received considerable airplay, and was released to mostly positive reviews. Gordon (1992). With bassist Laurence Cottle replacing Jo Burt, Sabbath released the critically acclaimed Headless Cross album in 1989. Powell, a legendary drummer, had had success with his own band, as well as with Rainbow, Whitesnake, and ELP.

However, a significant degree of band stability finally came back to Black Sabbath by 1988 with the staying of Tony Martin & Geoff Nicholls, and the addition of loyal drummer Cozy Powell, who replaced Terry Chimes. After the recording of The Eternal Idol, most of the band quit Sabbath, leaving Iommi, Martin, and Nicholls to recruit bassist Jo Burt and former Clash drummer Terry Chimes for the short-lived 1987 Eternal Idol tour. Though he somewhat resembled Dio, Martin clearly had his own style and also contributed some of the group's strongest lyrics. Tony Martin proved to be the perfect vocalist for the newly revitalized Black Sabbath.

Singer Tony Martin was brought in to re-record all of Gillen's original vocals on the Eternal Idol tapes, and the album was finally released. Lee to form the rather successful band Badlands (which would later include Eric Singer). He later hooked up with ex-Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E. As a result, Ray Gillen left the band during the recording sessions.

Although the morale in the band was very high when they started recording The Eternal Idol (former drummer Bev Bevan had returned as a percussionist, and a second bassist, Bob Daisley, also joined), the new Black Sabbath hit a devastating series of catasrophes involving mismanagement and financial debt, mainly from poorly planned use of the world's most expensive recording studio. An unknown young American singer by the name of Ray Gillen (no relation to Ian Gillan) was tapped for the job and finished the tour. Early in the tour for Seventh Star in 1986, Glenn Hughes got into a fist fight, and suffered severe blood clotting in his throat which made him lose his voice. However, record company pressure caused the album Seventh Star to be released as Black Sabbath featuring Tony Iommi.

Tony Iommi also got engaged to famous female heavy metal star Lita Ford, and enlisted the help of her band's bassist (Dave "The Beast" Spitz) and drummer Eric Singer, (later of Kiss and Alice Cooper) to round off the line-up. After this, Tony decided to record a solo album and enlisted the help of longtime Sabbath keyboardist Geoff Nicholls (who was finally made an official member) and vocalist Glenn Hughes, formerly of Deep Purple and Trapeze. The original line-up of Black Sabbath reunited for one three-song show at Live Aid in 1985. Founding member Geezer Butler quit out of frustration and formed the Geezer Butler Band at this time, which didn't end up releasing any albums.

It was at this point that the band's frequent line-up changes, compounded with Ozzy Osbourne's increasing success in his solo career and side-taking from music critics, really ended up putting the band under Ozzy's shadow. However, Donato was promptly fired after giving an allegedly horrible interview in Kerrang! magazine. Drummer Bill Ward once again returned to the fold, and the hiring of new singer David Donato was officially announced in 1984. Although the album surprisingly ended up being one of their most sucessful ones to date (hitting #4 in the UK charts), things didn't last, as Ian Gillan left to reunite with Deep Purple.

This line-up recorded the album Born Again, but once again Bill Ward dropped out of the tour, being replaced by Bev Bevan of Electric Light Orchestra. Bill Ward returned to the drum throne and Ian Gillan of Deep Purple fame became the new singer. However, during the mixing of Live Evil, internal band problems and nasty accusations developed, which lead to Dio and Appice quitting the band to form Dio. The unauthorized release in 1980 of the live bootleg Live At Last (recorded in the Ozzy era during the 1975 Sabotage tour) prompted the band to properly record a live album on the Mob Rules tour, titled Live Evil.

During the tour, drummer Bill Ward quit the band for personal reasons (he had lost both parents in a short about of time, and had some alcoholism problems). Vinnie Appice joined to complete the tour and then record the next album Mob Rules, the whose title track appeared in the movie Heavy Metal. The album also marked the inclusion of Quartz's guitarist-turned-keyboardist Geoff Nicholls, who although hasn't been consistantly credited as an official member, and has often been forced to play live shows from backstage for supposed aesthetic purposes, ended up co-writing and staying with the band through all other incarnations. Black Sabbath's next album (and first with singer Ronnie James Dio), Heaven and Hell, proved to be a success, and saw the band's highest charting since 1975s Sabotage. It was on this tour that Ronnie James Dio popularized the "horns" hand guesture, which has since become a symbol of heavy metal music in general. He was replaced by former Rainbow singer Ronnie James Dio.

Ozzy went on to become one of the most successful artists in the history of heavy metal. Due to internal conflicts and a shown lack of commitment, Osbourne was asked to leave the band in 1979, leading to a surprisingly successful solo career in the long run. Like the previous album, its sales were unfortunately poor. By far the band's most experimental release, Never Say Die! is widely regarded as an excellent album (some hardcore fans call it their best), but a poor Black Sabbath album ("Breakout" featured a 15-piece horn section).

The remaining band members even recorded music with singer Dave Walker, formerly of Fleetwood Mac, but Ozzy continued on with Sabbath, releasing the highly controversial Never Say Die! (1978). After the 1977 tour, Ozzy Osbourne stopped turning up at band rehearsals. Some consider it one of the group's most ambitious records, yet fans of the classic Sabbath formula were disillusioned. The album was laden with symphony orchestras, synthesizers, and even drummer Bill Ward singing a Beatles-esque pop song.

Technical Ecstasy (1976) turned out to be a commercial failure. However, drug problems, continued experimentation in their music style (Gregorian chants and a chorale of monks highlighted "Supertzar"), the hard rock scene's changing environment and some internal issues were affecting the stability and output of the band. Despite the troubles, Sabotage was released in 1975 with continued success. The management problems and then a label change from Vertigo to WWA disrupted the release schedule of the band's new album.

By 1974, the band was heavily addicted to drugs and experiencing major management problems (the group was managed by Ozzy's future father-in-law, Don Arden). The album contains some of the strongest Black Sabbath material, including the acoustic space rock voyage, "Spiral Architect," and the haunting prog-rock workout, "A National Acrobat.". Arguably the band's creative peak, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973) saw the band work with Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman (who remains a close friend of the band today). By this point, the band was one of the most popular bands in the world, and was a major concert attraction.

4 was the groups most mature record to date. Featuring the hit "Changes" (containing only vocal, piano, and strings) and sonic rock anthems like "Supernaut" and "Snowblind," Black Sabbath Vol. 4 in (1972), they were a full-fledged progressive rock group. By the time the band released Black Sabbath Vol.

1976 We Sold Our Soul For Rock 'n' Roll (Iommi, Osbourne, Butler, Ward); #35 UK, #48 US. 1975 Sabotage (Iommi, Osbourne, Butler, Ward); #7 UK, #28 US. 1973 Sabbath, Bloody Sabbath (Iommi, Osbourne, Butler, Ward); #4 UK, #11 US. 4 (Iommi, Osbourne, Butler, Ward); #8 UK, #13 US.

1972 Black Sabbath Vol. 1971 Master of Reality (Iommi, Osbourne, Butler, Ward); #5 UK, #8 US. 1970 Paranoid (Iommi, Osbourne, Butler, Ward); #1 UK, #12 US. 1970 Black Sabbath (Iommi, Osbourne, Butler, Ward); #8 UK, #23 US.