Who wrote war pigs?

Who wrote "War Pigs"?: The Truth Behind this Classic Black Sabbath Song

The Birth of a Legendary Song

"War Pigs" is one of the most iconic and recognizable songs in the history of heavy metal music. With its powerful lyrics, infectious guitar riff, and striking imagery, it’s easy to see why this song has become a staple of rock music. But who can we attribute this masterpiece to? Was it the founding members of Black Sabbath, Tony Iommi and Ozzy Osbourne, who are often credited with crafting the song? Or is there someone else who made a significant contribution to "War Pigs"? As we dive into the making of this song, it becomes clear that the answers are more complex than what meets the eye.

**The Initial Songwriting Process

The inspiration for "War Pigs" dates back to November 1969, just as Black Sabbath was concluding their debut album. Songwriter Geezer Butler revealed in an interview that the idea for the song was born from his studies of William S. Burroughs’ novel "Naked Lunch", which explores the darker side of human nature, war, and the degeneration of society. Inspired by these themes, Butler jotted down lyrics and showed them to the rest of the band.

**John McVie’s Surprising Contribution

It was during a session with John ‘Ox’ McVie, the bassist of Fleetwood Mac, that the songwriting process for "War Pigs" took a critical turn**. McVie, who was often credited as a session bassist for various artists during the 1960s, shared his own song ideas with Butler, which inadvertently changed the direction of "War Pigs". By incorporating some of McVie’s bass lines, the song gained a distinctly more psychedelic and experimental texture, adding to its original, more straightforward heavy rock arrangement.

**The Drummer’s Influence

Bill Ward’s powerful drumming style did not escape the attention of Butler, who was reportedly inspired by the drummer’s dynamic, atmospheric playing in the song’s pre-chorus, a section that many consider to be one of the most memorable in all of metal music. Ward’s rhythmic accents, bold and precise drum fills, and use of the ‘crusher’, a type of snare drum muffled by the band’s favorite cloth towel, added greatly to the song’s relentless drive.

**Tony’s Masterpiece: The Iconic Riff

Tony Iommi’s legendary riffs are a hallmark of Black Sabbath’s sound, and "War Pigs" is no exception. The song begins with an ominous, eight-bar riff, considered one of the greatest guitar openings in rock ‘n’ roll history, with Iommi’s wah-wah heavy on the lower strings producing an unnerving, ominous sound. This famous opening not only sets the mood for the song’s themes but also showcases Tony’s masterful ability to create unforgettable riffs using simple yet powerful chord progression.

**The Vocal Versatility of Ozzy Osborne

Ozzy Osbourne’s iconic vocals on "War Pigs" continue to astonish listeners and fellow musicians alike, with his range expertly captured from the intense growls and screams on the intro to the majestic, soaring melodies in the choruses. Who would have thought that just a year after his work with The Idle Race as the singer-songwriter Honey Lane, Osbourne, in a few short words, transformed what would be his signature screams in this song with such intensity?

**Conclusion:

"War Pigs" is a testament to collaboration and shared creative vision as these individual elements seamlessly merge, transcending ordinary heavy rock. At its heart lies the artistic union between the bandmates: Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, and the unexpected influences from John ‘Ox’ McVie, whose contributions took the song in a refreshing, avant-garde path. We cannot forget Bill Ward’s exceptional drumwork and Ozzy Osbourne’s masterful vocals without whose passion, dedication to his art, and relentless spirit Black Sabbath’s enduring legend and impact on all that metal is.

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