In a stunning yet well-deserved honor that echoes across generations of rock fans, Forbes magazine officially named **Black Sabbath**, fronted by the irrepressible Ozzy Osbourne, **the greatest rock band in history**. Announced on July 7, 2025, the recognition came as part of Forbes’s highly anticipated special feature: *“The 30 Greatest Rock Bands of All Time.”* The list drew on more than six decades of rock music, spanning classic rock, blues-rock, hard rock, heavy metal, punk, and alternative — and at the very top, stood the band from Birmingham that forever changed music.
For Black Sabbath, the journey to this moment has been anything but ordinary. Formed in 1968, Sabbath fused blues roots with crushingly heavy riffs and dark, socially conscious lyrics, effectively birthing heavy metal itself. Tony Iommi’s down-tuned, doom-laden guitar work, Geezer Butler’s brooding bass lines, Bill Ward’s thunderous drumming, and, of course, Ozzy Osbourne’s haunting, unmistakable vocals combined to create a sound unlike anything the world had heard before.
Their landmark albums — including *Paranoid*, *Master of Reality*, *Vol. 4*, and *Sabbath Bloody Sabbath* — redefined what rock music could be. Songs like “Iron Man,” “War Pigs,” and “Paranoid” became anthems for generations, and their influence reverberated through everything from punk to grunge to modern metal.
Forbes’s editorial board, which consulted historians, industry professionals, and data analysts, cited Black Sabbath’s innovation, longevity, and cultural impact as key reasons for their top ranking. “Black Sabbath didn’t just play rock music; they invented an entirely new language of sound and rebellion,” wrote Forbes senior editor Mark Ellis. “Without them, the map of modern music would look completely different.”
The magazine also highlighted the band’s resilience: decades of lineup changes, internal struggles, health challenges, and industry shifts could not extinguish Sabbath’s legacy. Instead, these hurdles seemed only to amplify the band’s mythic status. Their music remained relevant, their influence unwavering, and their message deeply human.
In an emotional statement released shortly after the announcement, Ozzy Osbourne — now 76 years old and still beloved as the ‘Prince of Darkness’ — shared his gratitude:
> “When we started, we were four working-class kids from Birmingham just trying to make some noise. To be named the greatest rock band in history… it blows my mind. Thank you to everyone who’s stuck with us through the madness. This is for the fans — you made Sabbath what it is.”
Bandmates Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler also reflected on the milestone, acknowledging the countless musicians and fans who kept Sabbath’s spirit alive over the decades. Iommi, whose battle with cancer once threatened to end his career, noted:
“We’ve always done what felt true to us, even when it wasn’t fashionable. It’s incredible to see that honesty recognized in this way.”
Social media erupted within minutes of Forbes publishing the list, with fans worldwide celebrating Sabbath’s triumph. Fellow musicians paid tribute too: Metallica’s James Hetfield called it “long overdue,” while Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl praised Sabbath for “laying the foundation we all stand on.”
Forbes’s list itself sparked debate — as lists always do — but few could deny Black Sabbath’s rightful place at the summit. Their raw authenticity, pioneering sound, and unwavering dedication to music left an indelible mark on rock history.
Beyond the accolades, this moment serves as a reminder of what rock and roll is truly about: honesty, rebellion, and the power to unite. Black Sabbath embodied all three — and then some.
In the words of Ozzy himself, shouted countless times onstage: