Gig review: BLACK SABBATH 50TH ANNIVERSARY PLAYBACK – Number 10, Hackney, 11 February 2020

Most of us listen to music while distracted by other things. Commute to work, at home or live venue. But what if there were no other distractions around you? Just you and the music, in the dark – would you hear something new or have a different emotional reaction?

Well with Pitchback playback this is exactly what you get, a music experience that thrills, excites and sparks a range of emotions.

Celebrating almost 50 years to the day of the release of their groundbreaking album, I jumped at the chance to listen to Black Sabbath’s self titled debut, remastered. I thought what else could I discover more about an album I have listened to countless times, but I have to admit I was blown away. This is the perfect setting for this record to be played in.

When opening track Black Sabbath starts with the thunder, rain and that spooky Iommi riff a real sense of dread and helplessness takes over. I am enveloped in the sound and atmosphere, and totally forgotten where I am as I’m just immersed in the music.

Ozzy’s vocals are haunting on the big PA it almost feels like the band are playing right next to you. Every instrument is heightened and to my surprise I ask myself a question. Are Sabbath metal? Sure there is no denying they created the genre but in this setting I am hearing funk, heavy blues and jazz fusion layers I have never heard before.

Half way through and the wide-eyed nine year old boy in me has resurfaced, head banging and discovering Sabbath all over again. Being in a dark cinema, with no lights, no visuals, no distractions – just me and the band with nowhere to run.

Review by Paolo Cucchiara

https://www.blacksabbath.com/welcome.html

http://www.pitchblackplayback.com/

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

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David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 6 October 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 8 October 2024.

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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

IZZY REIGN Spooky Scary Skeletons (FiXT)
THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)