Terence Michael Joseph "Geezer" Butler is an English retired musician and songwriter. He is best known as the bassist and primary lyricist of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath. He has also recorded and performed with Heaven & Hell, GZR, Ozzy Osbourne, and Deadland Ritual.
Butler performing with Deadland Ritual in 2019
Butler in 1970
Butler performing with Black Sabbath in 1995
Butler performing with Heaven & Hell in 2007
Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with their first three albums Black Sabbath, Paranoid and Master of Reality (1971). Following Osbourne's departure in 1979, the band underwent multiple line-up changes, with Iommi being the only constant member throughout their history.
Black Sabbath in 1970. From left: Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Ozzy Osbourne.
Black Sabbath at Piccadilly Circus, London in 1970 (left to right: Iommi, Ward, Osbourne, Butler)
Black Sabbath original line-up in 1973 (left to right: Osbourne, Butler, Iommi, Ward)
Black Sabbath at Madison Square Garden, New York City in 1977