The Immortal Four: Where Are The Original Members Of Black Sabbath Now? (Major 2025 Update)

The legacy of Black Sabbath, the undisputed architects of heavy metal, remains one of the most compelling stories in rock history. Formed in 1968 in Aston, Birmingham, the original lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—created a sound that was darker, heavier, and more atmospheric than anything that came before, birthing a global genre.

As of this current date, December 11, 2025, the world is still reeling from a profound loss, making the status of the remaining members a subject of intense interest. This in-depth look explores the complete history of the "Immortal Four," their foundational roles, and the very latest projects and tributes from the surviving members following a major, heartbreaking event in the rock community.

The Immortalized Lineup: Biography and Roles

The original quartet of Black Sabbath, often referred to as the "Immortal Four," forged their groundbreaking sound while looking to escape a life of factory work in Birmingham, England. Their chemistry was unique: Osbourne’s maniacal stage presence, Iommi’s dark riffs, Butler’s lyrical depth, and Ward’s jazz-influenced drumming.

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• Ozzy Osbourne (Vocalist)
  • Born: John Michael Osbourne, December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England.
  • Role: Lead vocalist, known as the "Prince of Darkness." His distinctive, high-pitched wail and chaotic stage persona defined the band's early image and sound.
  • Career Highlights: Fronted Black Sabbath from 1968–1979 and various reunions; highly successful solo career beginning in 1980; reality TV star in The Osbournes.
  • Status (2025): Passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76.
• Tony Iommi (Guitarist)
  • Born: Anthony Frank Iommi, February 19, 1948, in Birmingham, England.
  • Role: Guitarist and primary musical composer. His heavy, downtuned, and doom-laden riffs—developed after a factory accident severed his fingertips—are the foundation of heavy metal.
  • Career Highlights: The only constant member of Black Sabbath throughout its entire run; widely regarded as the "Father of Heavy Metal."
  • Status (2025): Active; working on his first new solo album in 20 years.
• Geezer Butler (Bassist)
  • Born: Terence Michael Joseph Butler, July 17, 1949, in Birmingham, England.
  • Role: Bassist and primary lyricist. Butler’s deep, driving bass lines and fascination with the occult, war, and social issues provided the band's thematic and philosophical depth.
  • Career Highlights: Co-founded the band; penned the lyrics for iconic tracks like "War Pigs" and "Paranoid."
  • Status (2025): Active; released his autobiography in 2024 and announced his retirement from touring.
• Bill Ward (Drummer)
  • Born: William Thomas Ward, May 5, 1948, in Birmingham, England.
  • Role: Drummer. Ward’s complex, often jazz-influenced drumming style provided a dynamic, powerful rhythm section that was far more sophisticated than simple rock beats.
  • Career Highlights: Original drummer for Black Sabbath; also a solo artist and radio host.
  • Status (2025): Active; returned to radio with his own show and participated in a final reunion with the original lineup.

The Prince of Darkness's Final Bow: A Tribute and Reunion

The story of Black Sabbath’s original members in 2025 is irrevocably linked to the passing of their iconic frontman, Ozzy Osbourne. News of the Prince of Darkness’s death on July 22, 2025, sent shockwaves through the entire music industry.

In the wake of this loss, the surviving members—Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—all shared heartfelt tributes to their friend and former bandmate, cementing the deep, if sometimes fractured, bond they shared since their formation in the late 1960s.

A Final Performance: Back to the Beginning

Adding a poignant layer to the 2025 timeline is the fact that the original lineup—Ozzy, Iommi, Butler, and Ward—had recently reunited for a final, one-off performance dubbed "Back to the Beginning." This reunion, which occurred shortly before Osbourne’s passing, was a historic event for fans, as Ward had been notably absent from the band's final album, 13, and their subsequent farewell tour due to contract disputes.

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This final, complete reunion of the "Immortal Four" provided an unexpected and fitting conclusion to the band’s story, allowing the quartet to share the stage one last time. Bill Ward, in particular, was scheduled to return to his radio show on KLBP the day after Osbourne’s death to host a planned tribute, further underlining the close timing of these events.

Life After Sabbath: Current Projects of Iommi, Butler, and Ward

While Black Sabbath officially concluded their touring career with the The End tour in 2017, the musical output and creative endeavors of the remaining original members continue to define the heavy metal landscape. They remain heavy metal pioneers, constantly influencing new generations of musicians.

Tony Iommi: The Riff Master Returns to Solo Work

Tony Iommi, the man whose hand injury inadvertently created the heavy metal sound, is currently focused on his solo career. He has confirmed that he is working on his first full-length solo album since 2005’s Fused. Fans are eagerly anticipating this release, which is expected to surface sometime in 2025, marking a significant return to form for the legendary guitarist. His ongoing collaborations and musical projects demonstrate his commitment to his craft, ensuring his influence remains central to the genre.

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Geezer Butler: The Lyricist Documents His Life

Geezer Butler, the band’s primary lyricist and driving bassist, has stepped away from the rigors of touring but remains active in the public eye. His most significant recent project is the release of his autobiography, Into the Void: From Birth to Black Sabbath—And Beyond. The book, which was released in June 2024 (with a paperback version following), offers an intimate look into the early days of the band, their struggles, and their rise to becoming one of the most important bands in music history. Butler’s decision to retire from touring marks a shift in his career, focusing instead on documenting his incredible journey.

Bill Ward: The Drummer Behind the Mic

Bill Ward, whose powerful drumming was essential to the band’s classic sound, has returned to his passion for radio. He hosts a regular radio show on KLBP, using the platform to share his deep knowledge and love for music, including Black Sabbath’s extensive catalog. His return to the airwaves in 2025, particularly his involvement in the Ozzy tribute and a subsequent Black Sabbath-only show in October 2025, shows his continued connection to the band’s legacy and his dedication to his fans.

The Undying Influence of Black Sabbath’s Original Lineup

The original members of Black Sabbath—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—did more than just form a band; they created a blueprint for an entire musical genre. Their first six albums, released between 1970 and 1975, are considered the foundational pillars of heavy metal, influencing countless bands from Metallica to Iron Maiden.

While the passing of Ozzy Osbourne marks the end of an era for the "Immortal Four," the music they created is truly timeless. The continued creative output of Iommi, Butler, and Ward ensures that the legacy of the Black Sabbath original lineup remains a vibrant, evolving story, forever rooted in the dark, innovative sound they first forged in the working-class streets of Birmingham.