It's 2025 and we're starting the year off with a bang. Regular fans will know that we always start the year off with a big artist, and there's very few metal bands bigger than Black Sabbath.

This week and next we'll be chatting all about them. Episode one is an in-depth interview with Aron Ward, son of Black Sabbath's original drummer, Bill Ward. Aron discusses his eclectic musical journey, influenced heavily by his father but also carved by his own diverse tastes. He talks about his own projects, such as Olanza, Harpoon, and Repoman, and his approach to DIY music production. Aron provides personal anecdotes from his childhood, touring with Black Sabbath, and learning the harsh realities of the music industry. He also shares his thoughts on various Sabbath albums and his dad's impact on his music career. Tune in for a fascinating chat filled with music history, personal stories, and candid insights.

NEXT WEEK we're bringing in ANOTHER guest to talk about the band, and focus on the record Never Say Die.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:08 Meet Aron Ward
01:46 Aron's Musical Journey
03:22 Growing Up with Black Sabbath
04:35 Influence of Black Sabbath
16:13 DIY Ethos and Industry Insights
20:13 Memories and Reflections
23:56 Favorite Albums and Musical Preferences
26:33 Interviewing Ian McKay: A Shared Experience
26:54 Heaven and Hell: A New Kind of Metal
27:29 Living in Bel Air: Ozzy's Absence
29:50 The Dio Era: A Divisive Time
32:25 Technical Ecstasy: A Beatles Influence
33:56 Never Say Die: A Confusing Time
39:07 The Influence of Sabbath on Modern Bands
45:03 Final Thoughts and Personal Projects