10 Fun Facts About Geezer Butler You Probably Didn’t Know
Terence ‘Geezer’ Butler is the founding member, bassist and primary lyricist of the heavy metal pioneer band Black Sabbath.
Similar to drummer Bill Ward, Butler is also often overshadowed by the more popular bandmates Ozzy Osbourne and Tony Iommi. However, all true fans know the importance of Terence and his contribution to the band’s sound, especially when it comes to lyrics.
So, here are ten facts about the man who came from humble beginnings.
1. Got his nickname due to overusing the word
In England (especially among Cockneys), “geezer” is slang for “man” or “dude“, and young Terrence got into the habit of using the word because his older brother, who was in the military and whom he looked up to, used to call him “geezer.”
And what did he do? He started calling all his schoolmates “geezer,” and soon enough, they all started calling him that in return. The nickname stuck, and decades later, it’s how the world knows him.
2. He grew up poor
Geezer’s childhood in working-class Birmingham was far from glamorous. His family home had no bathroom, hot water, or telephone, and considered themselves lucky to have an outdoor toilet.
Despite these hardships, Butler describes his childhood as happy and full of love. With six siblings in a small home, he learned early on how to appreciate the simple things in life.
3. Geezer used to read everyday as a child
From an early age, Butler developed a love for literature. He was particularly fascinated with Shakespeare’s works, which fueled his imagination and love for storytelling.
This passion for reading combined with his vivid imagination played a crucial role in making him the primary lyricist for Black Sabbath alongside Tony Iommi.
Some of his most beautiful and eerie lyrics are found on the song ‘N.I.B’, which also features a bass solo of his.
4. As a teenager he started reading Aleister Crowley
From Shakespeare to the occult, Geezer’s reading habits took a sinister turn when he discovered the controversial works of Aleister Crowley, the infamous mystic.
His interest in the supernatural and darker themes naturally bled into Black Sabbath’s lyrics, helping to shape the band’s atypical and eerie aesthetic.
5. Butler and Ozzy met at a Beatles fan meetup in Birmingham
Before they were rock legends, Geezer Butler and Ozzy Osbourne were just two teenagers obsessed with The Beatles.
Namely, the Fab Four appeared on Birmingham’s TV show “Thank Your Lucky Stars” and the now-metal icons met while waiting outside the studio hoping to catch a glimpse of the superstars.
6. He was briefly fired from Black Sabbath in 1977
In 1977, drummer Bill Ward was given the unpleasant task of delivering the bad news to Terence.
Reportedly, Osbourne and Iommi wanted him gone due to a lack of commitment, which they later denied. Thankfully, after a few weeks, Geezer was invited back to rehearsals, but the incident strained their relationship.
7. Geezer is a big fan of Aston Villa Football Club
Football (or soccer to Americans) is a huge deal in the UK, and Geezer is no exception when it comes to supporting his hometown club – Aston Villa. Like many Birmingham locals, he’s a die-hard fan and has even called the club his “second religion.”
During Black Sabbath’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction speech, Butler can be heard shouting “Up the Villa!” (phrase chanted by Aston Villa fans).
Read Next: Metal Bands in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
8. He is a vegetarian/vegan
Geezer Butler has been a vegetarian since childhood, and later became vegan in the 1990s. He cites his love for animals as the reason he is vegan and the fact that he grew up poor, rarely eating meat, so the transition to vegetarianism was not difficult.
However, he is not alone in this endeavor – drummer Bill Ward also embraced veganism after experiencing health issues due to alcohol and substance abuse.
9. He was detained after fighting with a Nazi in a bar
Geezer is not one to stay quiet in the face of hate. He got into a bar fight in Death Valley, California, after overhearing a man spewing anti-Semitic remarks.
He lost his cool because his wife, Gloria, is Jewish, so he confronted the man, and things quickly escalated into a brawl. Butler was detained and charged with public intoxication, misdemeanor assault, and vandalism.
10. His playing inspired many metal bassists
He is not just a bass player in a metal band, he is one of the pioneers of heavy metal bass playing. His bass guitar work has inspired many generations of musicians and fans alike.
To name a few, Geezer‘s distorted tone and aggressive playing has influenced the likes of – Steve Harris (Iron Maiden), Jason Newsted (Metallica), Peter Steele (Type O Negative), Cliff Burton (Metallica), and Rex Brown (Pantera) among many other bassists.
Listen to a brilliant bass solo:
Final Thoughts
Geezer Butler is much more than just the bassist of Black Sabbath – he’s a visionary lyricist, a pioneer of heavy metal bass, working-class hero, and an all-around fascinating character
Whether it’s his love of literature, his devotion to Aston Villa, or him throwing hands with Nazis, there’s no doubt that Geezer Butler is one of a kind.