Geezer Butler Embraces AI in Music Creation

The Steel City Con Revelation

During a recent appearance at the Steel City Con in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, legendary bassist Geezer Butler shared insights about his musical endeavors since Black Sabbath’s farewell show, “Back to the Beginning,” held in July 2025. The session was hosted by Dee Snider, where Butler discussed the exciting new directions in his music.

Collaborative Projects with Tony Iommi

Butler shed light on his former bandmate and guitarist Tony Iommi’s ongoing solo project. He revealed that Iommi is currently mixing a new album featuring a talented vocalist from Sweden. Although Butler was invited to contribute three bass tracks, logistical issues prevent him from traveling to England until June. He expressed hope that he could collaborate with Iommi later this year.

Butler on His Own Musical Journey

Turning the spotlight on his own solo work, Butler stated, “I’ve got tons of stuff. Since we finished the last Sabbath show, I’ve been going through all the material I’ve written since the ‘80s and updating everything.”

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Song Development

Butler’s innovative approach to music creation involves the use of artificial intelligence. He explained that the absence of a vocalist at home previously hindered his songwriting process. However, with the advent of AI technology, he now utilizes an AI singer to help bring his lyrics to life.

AI: A Tool, Not a Replacement

Addressing concerns about the authenticity of using AI, Butler clarified his stance: “I can take it to singers that I’m gonna be working with and go, ‘This is what I want on the album,’ so they’ve got a better idea.” He emphasized that AI serves as a valuable resource, allowing him to present his ideas more clearly than before, when he would only play a bass riff for potential collaborators.

Defending AI Against Criticism

Butler acknowledged that some critics view the use of AI as a form of cheating. However, he defended his approach, stating, “It’s really helped me. A lot of people think it’s cheating.” By leveraging AI, Butler believes he can enhance his creative process while still collaborating with talented musicians to finalize his songs.

Conclusion

Geezer Butler’s embrace of artificial intelligence in music showcases the ever-evolving landscape of songwriting. By utilizing AI as a collaborative tool, he is able to enhance his creative output while remaining true to his artistic vision. As Butler continues to work on his upcoming solo album, it will be fascinating to see how this technology influences the final product and whether it reshapes perceptions of music creation in the industry.

FAQs

What is Geezer Butler’s upcoming project?

Geezer Butler is working on a solo album that he has been developing since the last Black Sabbath show, utilizing AI technology to assist in songwriting.

Who is collaborating with Tony Iommi on his solo album?

Tony Iommi is collaborating with a vocalist from Sweden on his new album, which is currently in the mixing stage.

How does Geezer Butler use AI in his music creation?

Butler uses AI to generate vocal ideas for his lyrics, which he then presents to live singers for further collaboration, enhancing the overall creative process.

Is using AI in music considered cheating?

While some critics view the use of AI as cheating, Butler believes it is a valuable tool that aids in the creative process without replacing the essential contributions of human musicians.