When Vinny Appice took the stage with Black Sabbath for the first time on August 31, 1980, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, he brought not only his drumming skills but also a steady hand and calming presence to a band that had weathered its share of storms. At just 22 years old, Appice stepped into the shoes of the iconic Bill Ward during a pivotal moment in the legendary band’s history.
The Turbulent Transition
Black Sabbath had experienced a turbulent yet successful year leading up to Appice’s debut. After years plagued by drug issues and declining album sales, the band made the difficult decision to part ways with their original frontman, Ozzy Osbourne, in 1979. They recruited Ronnie James Dio, formerly of Elf and Rainbow, and released the critically acclaimed album Heaven and Hell in April 1980, marking a significant comeback.
However, just four months after the album’s release and with a tour looming, the band’s original drummer, Bill Ward, abruptly left, citing personal struggles and a deep-seated inability to accept a Black Sabbath without Osbourne. “One of the reasons why I had to leave the band was because I just couldn’t accept a Black Sabbath without Ozzy,” Ward explained in Mick Wall’s book, Black Sabbath: Symptom of the Universe. His departure left the band scrambling for a replacement as they prepared to hit the road.
Bill Ward’s Departure
Ward’s struggles with addiction had reached a critical point by 1980, and his departure was sudden. “It was the night before we were playing the McNichols Arena, which is an 18,000-seater that had been sold out for weeks,” bassist Geezer Butler recalled. “And Bill decided that’s when he was gonna leave. He just got in his bus and he was gone.” The abrupt exit forced Black Sabbath to cancel their scheduled Denver show, leading them to seek a new drummer on short notice.
Vinny Appice: The Unexpected Savior
Vinny Appice, who had already made a name for himself with acts like Rick Derringer and his own band, Axis, was available after turning down an offer to join Ozzy Osbourne’s solo project, having been warned about Osbourne’s unpredictable behavior by his brother, Carmine Appice. When Black Sabbath reached out, Appice seized the opportunity.
Upon meeting the band, Tony Iommi expressed admiration for Appice’s work on the Axis album. “Then I went down the next day, and that’s when I met Ronnie and Geezer and had my audition,” he recalled. After an hour-long jam, the band decided to keep Appice on board until Ward returned. However, as the tour progressed, it became clear that Ward would not be returning, and Appice found himself as a permanent member of Black Sabbath.
Building Chemistry with Dio
Appice quickly developed a strong rapport with Dio, sharing a cultural connection as fellow New Yorkers. “It was obviously easier to get to know Ronnie since we were both New Yorkers,” he noted. Musically, the chemistry was instantaneous. “It was like a machine,” Appice described. “We played great together. I don’t have any luggage with me, and we just focused on the music.”
Vinny Appice’s Legacy with Black Sabbath
After wrapping up the Heaven and Hell tour, Appice contributed to Black Sabbath’s next album, Mob Rules, released in 1981. Following Dio’s departure in 1982, Appice also moved on to form his own band. Nevertheless, he would reunite with Black Sabbath multiple times, contributing to the albums Dehumanizer in 1992 and The Devil You Know in 2009 under the Heaven & Hell banner.
Reflecting on his time with the band, Appice expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play alongside such legendary musicians. “Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Ronnie Dio — you’re talking about three absolute legends right there,” he remarked. “Even though I played with them on and off since 1980, there was still something very special about looking over and seeing them on stage with me. I feel lucky to have played with them.”
Black Sabbath’s Historic Set List: August 31, 1980
Vinny Appice’s first show with Black Sabbath featured a set list that included:
- “War Pigs”
- “Neon Knights”
- “N.I.B.”
- “Children of the Sea”
- “Sweet Leaf”
- Drum Solo
- “Black Sabbath”
- “Heaven and Hell”
- “Iron Man”
- Guitar Solo
- “Orchid”
- “Die Young”
- “Paranoid”
- Encore: “Children of the Grave”
Conclusion
Vinny Appice’s entry into Black Sabbath marked a new chapter for the band, one that showcased resilience and adaptability. Despite the challenges that led to his joining, Appice not only filled the void left by Bill Ward but also helped to usher in a new era of creativity and success for Black Sabbath with his powerful drumming and strong musical connection with Dio.
FAQs
What prompted Bill Ward’s departure from Black Sabbath?
Bill Ward left Black Sabbath due to struggles with addiction and an inability to accept the band’s new direction without Ozzy Osbourne.
How did Vinny Appice join Black Sabbath?
Vinny Appice was brought in as a temporary replacement for Bill Ward after he abruptly left the band just before a scheduled show. His audition went well, leading to him becoming a permanent member.
What albums did Vinny Appice play on with Black Sabbath?
Appice played on several Black Sabbath albums, including Heaven and Hell (1980), Mob Rules (1981), Dehumanizer (1992), and The Devil You Know (2009).
How did Vinny Appice feel about playing with Black Sabbath?
Appice expressed gratitude for the opportunity, feeling lucky to play with legends like Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Ronnie James Dio throughout his time with the band.
