Tony Martin: My Life as Black Sabbath's Lead Singer

Tony Martin is Black Sabbath's second longest serving lead singer after Ozzy Osbourne. He served as the heavy metal gods frontman for nearly a decade, that's longer than the legends Ronnie James Dio, Glenn Hughes and Ian Gillan! In this video he talks about how he came from relative obscurity to take on vocal duties with the band, working on the albums, why they call the album The Eternal Idiot, how he was sacked out of the blue and then asked to re-join and much more.

[@michaelpennington3807]

Tony Martin was the ONLY WORTHY SUCCESSOR to Ronnie James Dio.

[@gnomesayin1440]

Vocally He has dio’s range, & dee snider’s grit.

[@larrynolletti4594]

Ian Gillan....are you kidding me ?....besides Born Again...his renditions of Heaven and Hell....War Pigs...Black Sabbath....are fantastic....Reading Festival....Worcester....1983 tour...phenomenal....no one was going to try and tackle Disturbing the Priest...that being said....I'm a huge Tony Martin fan...can't wait for the box set...

[@armoredsweatpants3997]

Ian Gillian was pretty amazing, I saw the tour back in 84.

[@mark_beastpriest5539]

Completely agree. There are similarities, yet he has his own style. The Tony Martin era box set is out May 31, and I'm all over it.

[@mark_beastpriest5539]

@@armoredsweatpants3997 Great singer. Just not a Black Sabbath singer.

[@wightangel]

Tony Martin has been criminally underrated, even by Black Sabbath fans. This man is a legend.

[@flaviopitanga65]

Tony Martin rocks. Extremely underrated singer

[@PhlashRockinmann]

I'm blessed enough to have gotten to see Black Sabbath, on both their Dehumanizer tour and their Cross Purposes tour.

[@Conquistadoom]

Lifelong Sabbath fan and only just discovered the Tony Martin stuff. Nice to see the man behind the voice.

[@golddustgypsy6253]

Me too! Thank you for this! Really enjoyed it!!❤

[@johnstuartkeller5244]

Tony Martin is my favorite vocalist in Black Sabbath's history. They deserved much better sucdess than they recieved. The Shining may be the best opening track in their whole discography.

[@OBXDewey]

When I heard Tony on The Eternal Idol I thought it was Dio. I appreciated Tony not doing the opera-etics Dio did. Tony is the best. Eternal Idol is better than Paranoid. The music with Tony is some of the best I have ever heard. Those were incredible albums.

[@mikelabelle3438]

What a wicked singer that guy had an amazing voice he put out great vocals on all the albums of sabbath one of my favourites song was kill in the spirit world also anos mundy the shinning etc all his songs left an impact on me and I’m a huge sabbath fan so thumbs up to tony martin I’m glad I got to see him twice live in concert

[@joaogrrr]

As much as DIO and Ozzy were/are monster vocalists, Tony gave his own spin on Black Sabbath and his own "era", just like the other two. You can't take that away from him. Headless Cross is great and Tyr is a pretty interesting album!

[@roxylindholm5179]

Ozzy might be a frontman, but he is not a singer. Every singer in Sabbath was great except Ozzy.

[@Terminxman]

@@roxylindholm5179 Iike the Dio/Gillan stuff and even a lot of Martin better than Ozzy, but Ozzy legitimately has a good voice and can sing. You're insane if you think otherwise. He showed that in a lot of early Sabbath songs and really in his solo band up until Ultimate Sin which is one of my favorite albums. One thing about Ozzy though is he never really wrote anything, I don't think he has the capacity to.

[@ThibautKurt23]

@@TerminxmanOzzy has just one gift : you will give him lyrics and put a music and he will find a way to sing those lyrics in a catchy and original way despite his lack of singing technique or range.

[@prettyreaperinc.7539]

My favorites Sabbath albums with ones with Tony. Headless Cross my personal top 1

[@scottstedeford7575]

Tony Martin never betrayed anything but complete command of the stage. Was fortunate to see one of the handful of U.S. Headless Cross shows at the Tower in Philly. Martin’s voice, range, and power were astounding. I went to the show on a whim and came away with an experience I recall vividly today. He performed to a such a level that it was like he’d always been in the band, like it was HIS band in the same way Dio served the same role.

[@riderofthemark6661]

Tony Martin Era in Black Sabbath is pure magic!

[@Hydrophish]

I was a huge fan of the Tony Martin era of Sabbath. A lot different than their other work, but it had its own power and vibe that I loved.

[@jazchaz1274]

I don't understand why Tony puts himself down..I saw him live with Sabbath and thought he was brilliant..great voice..good stage presence...Cozy on drums ...Tony Iommi..The Master of the Doom Riff....a brilliant lineup..

[@one_with_kevrything9825]

Maybe if the albums went platinum like they should have, he might have a bit of an ego. But, Tony seems as humble as they come for the strata he revovled in.

[@steviec67]

Yeah sad , he never really got his confidence up . Granted it must have been intimidating up there with those guys 😳. Either way saw a few of those tours and he did a hell of a job 👍🏻

[@Tuco-seppoepson]

Because he's humble my friend, he also knows he's "limits" what a singer can do since compared to others legends (and he is younger), he's delivery on songs is so much different (he pays respect to Glenn, Ray and ALL earlier singer of Black Sabbath that came before him honestly as possible) but totally unique and dare to say perfect for my taste and that my friend shows his true quality as a performer/singer, he can can do and deliver he's own material yet at the same time pay respect to those who came before him and that is a rare, humble and admirable sight to be seen my friends, so go ahead and support Tony Martin era of Black Sabbath if you can please, I already did.

[@MySundin13]

Cozy was DEFINITELY a drummer upgrade

[@joeylodes]

Really great era of Sabbath. Hard to measure up to titans like Ozzy , Dio, Gillan and Hughes … but Tony did an amazing job.

[@williamjhunter5714]

Tony clearly took care of himself...those slbums were decades ago and hes like acyoung guy now. Great singing. I found his albums at a mall in a small town that was going out of business in a discount bin. Unexpected how good they were.

[@JoseClMezzalira]

My fav BS albums are with this guy!

[@SuperLuckao]

Same!!!!

[@irplane]

I am all for the rerelease of the Tony era albums 🤘

[@tonymontana-uw1bq]

May 31st can't wait!

[@xoxsilentrealmxox]

I've loved Tony for 30 years

[@aaroncoroner5915]

The fact that those albums aren't for sale is a crime. I have copies of them all (except Forbidden)but I bought them when they were originally released. I still have Seventh Star, Eternal Idol and Headless Cross on my original cassettes.

[@tonymontana-uw1bq]

May 31st not long now!

[@michaelthomas9991]

Tony has a great voice that really fit into the mature Sabbath catalogue. He’s been under appreciated, and honestly deserves his time in that spotlight!

[@dustzza123]

TYR was a sick album. Hugely forgotten great album 😮

[@jonasn945]

Tony, you took Sabbath to a level that could not to be imagined being higher... You absolute nail everything about the legendary theme of what´s been called hereafter as the "Headless cross" An absolute classic & legendary achivement!! Thank you for your brilliant talent!! It is with things like this ones keep on living on this planet.... (Wish we could meet for something crazy and cool heavy metal work further on?!)

[@slimhanson5792]

Amazing Singer for Sabbath..

[@RSBurgener]

We absolutely love Tony Martin. And as time goes on and Sabbath's legacy unfolds, Tony Martin will be an equal partner. It is a credit to his talent the way Sharon Osbourne has tried to cut him out of the story. If he wasn't amazing, he wouldn't be the threat she clearly thinks he is!

[@AerikVon]

I can't put into words how much I love this man...

[@SuperLuckao]

Same!!! I have no words either

[@wardka]

He could sing both the new and the old material and do it justice which is more than you can say for Dio, much as I like him. He also had a great stage presence -- far heavier than Ozzy's audience participation silliness.

[@j800r_aswell]

He's the only Sabbath frontman to successfully handle every main era of the band. In fact, the only stuff he'd ever really struggle with live was his own material which shows his calibre. His own vocals were the most challenging to perform live. Perfect example of this is the Cross Purposes Live DVD. He wasn't at his best that night. He anhialated the Ozzy stuff, sounded better on a bad night than Ozzy has outside the early to mid 70s. He competently handled the Dio material. Then, it was only on his own that any real challenge showed. With high notes needing to be ducked frequently and the occasional melody line modified. He also is responsible for the highest note hit on a Sabbath track, which can be found on Devil and Daughter, at the end of the verse following the solo.

[@helkas3316]

Great interview. Love Tony Martin, and would love to hear more from him and Sabbath.

[@srh361]

Ordered the boxset and currently waiting for its release, absolutely love the tony Martin Era of Black Sabbath!

[@unichi1]

My favorite singer of Black Sabbath.

[@shazabrahim5208]

For me, the Tony Martin years were the best and in particular, the Headless Cross period - Lyrics, melody, harmonies and Tony's over the top creative and powerful delivery are truly and keenly appreciated here!

[@p90man]

Love the shining and All of eternal Idol as well as all of the Tony Martin Era.

[@VRPRocks]

The Shining is an amazing song, I still listen to it regularly now.

[@yogiyahya35]

Living Legend Tony Martin 🖤🖤🖤🤘🤘🤘

[@CarlAshcroft-mb9pp]

Does anyone remember the live gig they did after Headless Cross. The BBC broadcast it on Halloween, it was amazing. I managed to record it on my tape deck. Some time later it got lost and I was devastated, it was that good. Tony Iommi, Tony Martin, Cozy Powel, Geoff Nicholls, I think the other musician was ex Whitesnake. Thinking about it im still gutted. Greatest Metal band ever and always.

[@RonniePenko]

haha Such a likeable person, Tony. Very much enjoyed this interview.

[@VRPRocks]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching 🤘🤘

[@spottss]

I never got into the Martin era but I find his story fascinating as a part of the whole sabbath saga!

[@jesusvelazquez6218]

Listen to Nightwing, from headless cross,and tell me if not hearing one of the best voices in Metal ever !!!! EVER !!!, AND TYR ,WOW ,ONE OF MY FAVORITE OF ALL TIME ,MANY BLESSINGS BROTHER 🙏

[@kinetor59]

I still listen to the BS albums Tony is on. He was great on those...even saw them live and what a great night they gave us.

[@FAIRGROUNDFUNFAIRSUK]

Tony is a great singer saw this line up twice both times blown away

[@ericv7720]

Martin's era of Sabbath was happening when I was in high school, and Headless Cross was the first Sabbath album I ever bought (just weeks after it was released). It's the era of Sabs I listen to most to this day, and have been a TM fan ever since (with Misha Calvin, Giuntini, etc.)!

[@buddylove346]

I must say the new remixed albums sound much better and as a long time Black Sabbath fan I think looking back over history it is clear to me that Tony Martin is the best singer the band ever had because of his voice and range he is the only one who could sing any song on all 19 albums.

[@vaneipontes3824]

Mr. Anthony Philip Harford Criminally Underrated ⚡🔥🎤⚡🔥🎤⚡🔥🎤⚡🔥🎤⚡🔥🎤⚡🔥🎤

[@kennethhardbargeriii2798]

Great interview

[@coreycrossman3447]

Why not do what they did with Ronnie and create the Headless Cross band maybe even make an album

[@m3bmuadib]

Good idea. Its a pity so much potential is blocked by the illiterate blob that it is Ozzy (and Sharon)

[@wardka]

I always thought Tony (and Tony) should do one up on them and call it Grey Sabbath.

[@integrity101]

Yes & yes

[@richardhincemon]

Black Sabbath name is owned by Tony Iommi and Ozzy Osborne. The Heaven and Hell name was agreed upon by Tony Iommi and Ronnie James Dio. There are no plans to record under any other name and Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler have retired from touring .

[@j800r_aswell]

Nine months down the line and I feel betrayed. Tony (Iommi) suggested there was stuff planned this year for Ozzy, Dio AND Tony Martin years and the plan was to work on them chronologically, starting with Ozzy, then Dio, then Tony. Well, Ozzy stuff is put out all the time. We had the Dio offering with the Live Evil remixes, nearing the end of the year and still NOTHING Tony Martin related. Then, just recently, they've put out ANOTHER Ozzy release with a Reunion live compilation. I can't be certain, but my guess is Ozzy and Sharon are interfering in some way and the politics is getting in the way of this stuff releasing. Honestly, at this point, I wouldn't care if they released it under a different project name (like they did with the Heaven and Hell thing) but the works NEED to see the light of day. They're too valuable to be left to rot and Tony (Martin) deserves his dues!

[@mutate34]

apparently Iommi owns the 4 IRS albums now and has to self release them or find a new label. It could be just he's finding it a challenge. If Ozzy and Sharon were involved surely they'd block the Dio and Gillan albums too?

[@ThibautKurt23]

⁠on his 2024 new year wishes tony Iommi said the box will be released in May of this year and apologized for the delay due to label issues

[@richardhincemon]

Anno Domini Black Sabbath 1989-1995 deluxe Ed box set Rhino Records Vinyl and CD May 31st release date. Projects are done when they are done and there are legal issues and management decisions involved not just Tony Iommi.

[@richardhincemon]

​@@mutate34Tony Iommi and Ozzy Osborne are 50/50 co-owners of the Black Sabbath name and they must make business decisions together.

[@frankhiggins9408]

What a voice and power thank you Tony 🤘

[@PauloAlex-zp9kn]

Golden voice.

[@LetsGoMetsGo33]

Tony says ‘96 for Seventh Star, but pretty sure its ‘86?

[@csphoenix9]

Eternal Idol is a Great Album

[@theoratorovdoom]

Awesome

[@jorgeabarca7724]

Monster of Rock Santiago, Chile 1994 Great Tony.

[@willcratch7815]

Unca Cozy, Murray and Martin are only underrated by the less informed. This era kept the band from crashing and burning. These blokes deserve a medal😎🤘. They have no idea how many young metalheads blasted this era over our stereo with pride.

[@georgemarquardt4435]

Psychophobia is right up there with Ozzy and Ronnie's finest as far as I'm concerned

[@yoshipercussion5126]

Anno Mundi, Back To Eden, and many others too.

[@alfwalker5698]

Looking forward to the Martin-era Sabbath being re-released. Some material from this era is as good as anything Sabbath has done...

[@manuelduarte8981]

He has a great sense humor. Very cool guy.

[@LetsGoMetsGo33]

The albums he did are difficult to find on streaming.

[@davesaenz3732]

Lucky guy!! Lucky!! 🎸

[@keeslinde8194]

His voice is incredible, listen to The World Is Burning

[@Cimmerian415]

Tony Martin is a great singer and seemingly pleasant chap, I don't understand why Iommi slagged him in his biography? Any help?

[@diamond20able]

My favourite singer 🤘🎤

[@SuperLuckao]

TM..please dont wait around for iommi. U might wait forever. Tour woth sebastian or please recruit the legendary viv campbell. U 2 woyld be epic together. Just do it!! Ur fans want to see YOU , regardless of sabbath.YOU are sabbath!!

[@PauloRodrigues-rt2dt]

Unfortunately we don't have Dio or Ozzy. Martin stills in active. Iommi and Butler too. I could pay to see Headless Cross like Heaven and Hell band.

[@markstoneman1585]

Headless Cross ✌

[@scottblack9213]

Great albums Eternal Idol, Headless Cross & Cross Purposes. At the time, the albums did sound dated because of the production.. just a little bit too old fashoned for the time for younger kids in their 20's - such a shame as they would have benefited at the time with a Jack Endino or a Ggarth or a Rubin (which they eventually got right on 13.. years later). They really would have benefited from a 1990s production in the 1990s. Love the albums in 2023 anyway.

[@richardhincemon]

Rick Rubbish ruined 13 I meant Rubin.

[@PauloAlex-zp9kn]

Don't forget the amazing "TYR" álbum.

[@tiborbalogh8335]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@pop000690]

Good to see Martin getting attention. My favourite of his era would be Cross Purposes imo. Also I always like seeing the live versions of The Wizard with Martin on vocals and harmonica

[@johnabbott257]

I'll always be amazed how a person with the thick of an accent sings with a neutral, American style accent.

[@MrRictusgrin]

I love all the Martin era Sabbath albums ( TYR... not so much ). Own 'em all, and Technical Ecstasy and Seventh Star are the only crummy Sabbath albums IMO.

[@georgemarquardt4435]

EVH old school die hard Sabbath freak

[@user-kf6yc9sb2h]

Eternal idol was great! Don't know why Sabbath never liked it.

[@MySundin13]

Cozy Powell was on drums in this incarnation....waaaayyy better than Bill Ward ever was.

[@diceyending4622]

This story is almost, but not quite as interesting as the one of Gene Frenkel playing the cowbell in Blue Oyster Cult

[@peggs1]

For fuck sake! Ozzy was perfect Dio was astonishing Tony was Outstanding , BUT , why does everyone gloss over cross purposes album , fu##king monolithic.

[@alexhill8150]

I enjoyed Tony Martin's stint with BS. Really great vocalist. In the late-80s I saw BS live in South Africa. All the BS vocalists played their part and Tony can hold his head up high.

[@helkas3316]

Poor Tony Martin, he was jailbait lol 😅.

[@derekhannah9763]

Tony have you got a cold you keep touching your nose?

[@planet6393]

Quit listening to sabbath after seventh star!

[@joelkipling2587]

Then you are missing out , give the Headless cross a listen .

[@TjStorm97]

Your loss... TYR and Headless Cross are incredible albums and you owe it to yourself to give them a listen

[@planet6393]

@@TjStorm97 you are probably right will check it and let you know.