On March 2, Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Paul Rodgers received awards at the Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs, California. The event featured an all-star band to honor the two musicians, with proceeds going to Adopt The Arts.
Slipknot’s Corey Taylor led a cover of Black Sabbath’s classic “Paranoid,” joined by Butler, Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, and Billy Idol guitarist Steve Stevens. The performance showcased 12 talented musicians on stage that night. Other notable artists included Matt Sorum, Lzzy Hale, Glenn Hughes, Robert DeLeo, Charlie Starr, Mike Mangan, Phil X, Tanya O’Callaghan, and Steve Salas. Sorum is known for his work with Guns N’ Roses and Velvet Revolver, while Hughes played with Deep Purple. DeLeo is the bassist for Stone Temple Pilots, and Starr fronts Blackberry Smoke.
Geezer Butler started playing guitar as a teenager on an old two-string acoustic given to him by his brother, Jimmy. This gift changed his life. After saving up, he bought a Bird Golden Eagle amplifier and a Brunner Colorama electric guitar, which led him to join his first band. Butler became famous for his melodic bass playing and was one of the first to use a wah pedal on bass. He also down-tuned his instrument to match guitarist Tony Iommi.
Paul Rodgers has had an impressive career, singing with Bad Company, Free, and Queen. Both Butler and Rodgers shared the stage with the tribute band during the event. The energy was electric, and it felt like Ozzy’s spirit was alive throughout the performance. It was a night to remember for fans of rock music!
