Bill Ward: Black Sabbath classic is '25 minutes work'

By Rich Chamberlain
published

Drummer remembers the making of 'Paranoid'

Black sabbath

Black sabbath

© Tony Frank/Sygma/Corbis

When Black Sabbath wrote 'Paranoid' they created a rock classic that's still sounds face-meltingly awesome 40 years on. Not bad considering they knocked it out in 25 minutes.

Rhythm's sister title Metal Hammer recently caught up with Ward and he let them in on the making of the iconic track.

The Black Sabbath legend recalls: "We went off on our lunch break and when we got back, Tony had come up with the riff.

"I sat down, Ozzy went to his mic, Geezer strapped on his bass and we started playing. What you hear on the album is literally 25 minutes work!"

You can read the full interview in the latest issue of Metal Hammer.

Rich Chamberlain
Rich Chamberlain

Rich is a teacher, one time Rhythm staff writer and experienced freelance journalist who has interviewed countless revered musicians, engineers, producers and stars for the our world-leading music making portfolio, including such titles as Rhythm, Total Guitar, Guitarist, Guitar World, and MusicRadar. His victims include such luminaries as Ice T, Mark Guilani and Jamie Oliver (the drumming one).