Geezer Butler, born Terence Michael Joseph Butler on July 17, 1949, is a legendary English bassist and primary lyricist for the pioneering heavy metal band Black Sabbath. Known for his dark, mystical lyrics and signature heavy bass sound, Geezer played a crucial role in shaping the early heavy metal genre. Alongside Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, and Bill Ward, Butler helped Black Sabbath establish a unique, brooding sound that has influenced generations of musicians. His basslines often provided a thick, powerful backbone for the band's ominous riffs, contributing to iconic songs like "Paranoid," "Iron Man," and "War Pigs."
Aside from his work with Black Sabbath, Geezer Butler also had solo projects and participated in other collaborations. He formed his own band, GZR (Geezer), which released several albums exploring a more modern, industrial metal sound. Butler’s career spans over five decades, cementing him as one of the most influential bassists in rock and metal history. Even as he stepped away from regular touring, his influence remains significant, with his innovative playing style continuing to resonate in contemporary music.