Black Sabbath Dehumanizer Rehearsals

[Florene Pothoven]

Nov 86-Jan 87) After Bob left for good around November, there was no formal bassist in the band (even though Dave Spitz was formally not out either). In fact, most of the next several months would have no bassist, as Bob had laid down the tracks already, and then left. From what I can gather, this period was most likely studio time as the band that existed at this point continued to work on the album.

After the Sun City gigs, final production on the Eternal Idol album was completed, and the album was (finally) released in November of 1987. Dave Spitz left for good during this period. When Dave actually departed is a bit of a mystery, but a good guess is that he was gone before the end of October (possibly earlier, as the Eternal Idol Tour rehearsals likely started sometime in October).

This song has a 30 second keyboard intro by Geoff Nicholls. Thematically it feels like the keyboard intros to a couple of songs from the Born Again album (specifically Stonehenge & The Dark) or Sphinx (The Guardian) from Seventh Star. I always liked those kind of intros to Sabbath song. So right away this works for me.

One small ego trip (OK, maybe a huge one) about this release. I got a special thanks for its release. This was due to my input on what should be on the release, some proofreading, and things of that nature. Check out this page from the booklet. :)

It started with demos in Birmingham, England. Actually it was Henley on Arden area in the outskirts of town. That was kinda of ironic to all of us since Tony had recently parted ways with longtime Sabs manager Don Arden at that time.

We then acquired a new manager Patrick Meehan and he arranged for us to go to Montseratt in the West Indies to record at Air Studios which was owned by George Martin of BEATLES fame. Sting, The Police, Duran Duran & Eric Clapton had all recorded there so we were really keen on going there. It was a beautiful place with a great studio and vibe. We ended up being there for 6 weeks ! It was a really fun time and even though we had obstacles and a few detours along the way, we did get some decent sounds and tracks done. Bob Daisley was flown in the play Bass on that record and I have maintained a great friendship with him to this day. Soon after basic tracks they all took a break to return home and then Tony resumed recording in London.

With Ray being very inexperienced in the studio a new producer, Vic Coppersmith was bought in to help guide Ray through. But once again the Sabbath curse struck just as Ray had virtually finished recording all his vocals he also left without telling anyone. Once again I felt sorry for Tony Iommi he had always given new people a chance a was let down many times by people just out to use him.

When we were mixing the album, Tony Iommi wanted to do an instrumental, so we recorded it. Bev Bevan came down to the studio for a visit, and he got asked to do some percussion bits on it, which he did which is why his name is on the album credits as a thank you.

Originally, Bev and Geezer were going to play drums and bass for a gig in Greece, but Geezer pulled out at the last minute due to manager problems. So Dave Spitz got the call to play bass after that Bev left and Terry Chimes came in as a last minute replacement. Terry was a good drummer and all his background came from rock dummers even though he played in punk bands, I think is favourite drummer was John Bonham. And he also did a lot of teaching at drum clinics.

Jo Burt was called in to do a European tour. He had been playing with Jason Boham and a tour had been booked. Although they may not have been the first choice the old saying of the show must go on always raises its head and we made the best of it and as usual had a lot of fun and a lot of unusual experiences along the way.

One of the most criminally under rated albums by the band.Eric singer is a good drummer.Tony Martin is always good.The great Bob Daisley on bass.Tony Iommi kills as always.Geoff Nichols on them boards.Eternal Idol is a killer work of art.

Because this is the only Tony Martin album on the original 1970 signed record label deal with Warner (in the US) or Vertigo (later Castle, later Universal) elsewhere. The rest of them are on IRS. Separate deal.

As always Joe. You deliver the goods! Been following this site since i first started using the internet haha, back in 1998. I think the first track that i heard was `lost forever` from this album on a compilation cassette that i got from a fellow sabbath fan in school (also 1998). Probably their best with Martin.

have listened to this great album forever.I think The Shining was the track I heard here.Theres something great from every track and just love the acoustic piece The Scarlet Pimpernal.Again Tony Iommi never disappoints .Black Sabbath 4ever .Brian Metcalfe.Great artwork or statuary here as well.Bonus tracks also well recieved.A reunion with Tony Martin would rock.

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