Black Sabbath Members Talks About New Album

With Black Sabbath preparing to play their final live performance at the upcoming Back to the Beginning concert, fans are wondering: could a new album still be in the cards?

Although the July 5 show in Birmingham marks the end of live performances for the original lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—the possibility of recording another studio album hasn’t been ruled out completely.

Mixed Feelings About 13 Leave the Door Slightly Ajar

The band’s most recent album, 13, was released in 2013. Looking back, some members have expressed disappointment with the process and outcome—particularly Iommi and Butler.

“Some of the stuff sounded better when we were working at my house – it sounded more… alive,” Iommi recalled. “But it’s what it was. And it’s a shame Bill [Ward] didn’t play on it, but it was difficult.”

One major issue was producer Rick Rubin’s unconventional approach, which caught the band off guard. Butler explained:

“I was led to believe Ozzy [Osbourne] would write all the lyrics, but Rick Rubin insisted I write them. So I changed around some lyrics and ideas of Ozzy’s, then wrote everything in a mad rush. I like Sabbath’s lyrics to mean something, but trying to think of thirteen subjects to write about the night before committing them to recording gave me headaches.”

Adding to the complications was the absence of original drummer Bill Ward, who was replaced on 13 by Rage Against the Machine’s Brad Wilk.

Some Members Open to a New Project—But with Conditions

Despite the challenges with 13, the idea of another Sabbath album hasn’t been completely dismissed.

“I’ve been approached about doing a Sabbath album,” said Iommi. “It could be good, but I don’t want to take the time of sitting down and writing stuff like last time and it goes willy-nilly.”

Butler shared a similar sentiment:

“Do I wish we’d done another album? No, I don’t wish we had, but if anyone really wanted to do another, I’d be up for it. But not just for the sake of doing it.”

In contrast, Ward is fully behind the idea:

“I’d love to do another album. I’ll be direct about that.”

Ozzy’s Not Done Recording—Could Sabbath Be Next?

While this will be Osbourne’s final live performance due to health concerns, his passion for recording music remains strong. He’s released two solo albums in the past few years—Ordinary Man (2020) and Patient Number 9 (2022)—and he’s made it clear that he’ll keep making music as long as he finds it creatively fulfilling.

“I still enjoy doing my own work. I also enjoy singing on other people’s work. For the foreseeable future I will keep on recording – if the projects interest me,” Osbourne said recently.

So while Sabbath’s time on stage may be ending, the idea of the original lineup coming together in the studio—especially with Ward back on drums—isn’t entirely off the table. Whether it happens may come down to timing, inspiration, and mutual interest.