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Black Sabbath: Paranoid

Series looking at the creation of classic albums goes behind Black Sabbath's 1970 album Paranoid, which came to define the sound and style of heavy metal.

The second album by Black Sabbath, released in 1970, has long attained classic status. Paranoid not only changed the face of rock music, but also defined the sound and style of heavy metal more than any other record in rock history. The result of a magic chemistry which had been discovered between four English musicians, it put Black Sabbath firmly on the road to world domination.

This programme tells the story behind the writing, recording and success of the album. Despite vilification from the Christian and moral right and all the harsh criticism that the music press could hurl at them, Paranoid catapulted Sabbath into the rock stratosphere.

Using exclusive interviews, musical demonstration, archive footage and a return to the multi-tracks with engineer Tom Allom, the film reveals how Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward created their frighteningly dark, heavy and ear-shatteringly loud sound.

Additional comments from Phil Alexander (MOJO & Kerrang! editor), Geoff Barton (Classic Rock editor), Henry Rollins (writer/musician) and Jim Simpson (original manager) add insight to the creation of this all-time classic.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Black Sabbath

    Paranoid

  • Black Sabbath

    War Pigs

  • Black Sabbath

    Hand of Doom

  • Black Sabbath

    Iron Man

  • Black Sabbath

    Black Sabbath

  • Black Sabbath

    N.I.B.

  • Black Sabbath

    War Pigs

  • Black Sabbath

    Iron Man

  • Black Sabbath

    Planet Caravan

  • Black Sabbath

    Electric Funeral

  • Black Sabbath

    Hand of Doom

  • Black Sabbath

    Fairies Wear Boots

  • Black Sabbath

    Paranoid

Credits

Role Contributor
Producer Helen Northrop
Producer Melissa Morton Hicks

Broadcasts