Black Sabbath and Rufus Publications have announced the first ever official Black Sabbath book, The Masters of Reality: Why Black Sabbath Matter.
Created by photographer Ross Halfin working directly with the band, the 500-page volume documents their history from the late 1960s through to their final show, ‘Back to the Beginning’, in July 2025. It traces the classic lineup of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward through a wealth of rare photographs and memorabilia, much of it published for the first time, with essays from writers Geoff Barton and Dave Ling, who interviewed all four members especially for the book.
“Black Sabbath have always mattered. And they always will,” offers Geezer Butler.
Production began two years ago, with the book due to be announced shortly after the 2025 farewell, before events took an unexpected turn. “Ozzy and Sharon wanted the book out soon after the final show in Birmingham, but Ozzy suddenly passing away caused the music world to stop,” explains Halfin. “Ozzy was fully involved with the book and he signed the book plates months before the final show, as did all the band members. So now, one year on from Back to the Beginning, we all thought the time was right. A book we all feel celebrates both Black Sabbath and Ozzy and illustrates just how important they are.”
The book arrives in three editions, from a standard hardback up to super deluxe signed editions bound in metal and recycled leather, each strictly limited and carrying book plates hand signed by all four members. It is scheduled to ship in October 2026.
As a lasting tribute to the band that invented heavy metal, and to Ozzy, this feels like an essential addition to any Sabbath fan’s shelf.
For more on Black Sabbath, head to RAMzine.
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