Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath Crowned Greatest Rock Band in History by Forbes on July 7, 2025
In a stunning yet well-deserved honor, Forbes magazine officially named Black Sabbath, led by the iconic Ozzy Osbourne, the greatest rock band in history on July 7, 2025. The recognition came as part of Forbes’s extensive ranking of the 30 greatest rock bands of all time — a list that spanned the vast and diverse history of rock music, covering classic rock, blues-rock, hard rock, heavy metal, alternative rock, and punk.
It’s a moment that cements Black Sabbath’s legendary status, not just as pioneers of heavy metal, but as a band that has transcended genres and generations, earning the highest acclaim from one of the world’s most prestigious publications.
Forbes‘ Monumental Ranking — A Celebration of Rock’s Legacy
The list compiled by Forbes sought to recognize bands that had not only defined their respective subgenres but also left an indelible mark on the broader cultural and musical landscape. From the vintage swagger of blues-rock to the rebellious energy of punk, the ranking included titans of every shade of rock.
But standing above them all was Black Sabbath — the band that emerged from the industrial streets of Birmingham, England, in the late 1960s to ultimately reshape the very DNA of rock music.
In its write-up, Forbes praised Sabbath’s unparalleled chemistry and influence:
“No other four-piece band has come close to matching this unique union,” the magazine noted, highlighting the magical and unpredictable combination of Ozzy Osbourne’s haunting vocals, Tony Iommi’s crushing guitar riffs, Geezer Butler’s inventive bass lines, and Bill Ward’s thunderous drumming.
The article further stressed how the band’s unique sound didn’t just dominate charts but shaped the evolution of rock itself:
“Throughout their discography, Ozzy Osbourne managed to hone a sound and cultivate an audience that has since shaped all of rock as it is today,” Forbes added, pointing to Sabbath’s seismic impact on bands ranging from Metallica and Nirvana to Queens of the Stone Age and beyond.
⚡ From Birmingham to Global Domination
What makes this recognition even more extraordinary is Black Sabbath’s humble origin. Formed in 1968, the band began as a working-class outfit experimenting with dark, blues-based riffs and occult-inspired lyrics. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1970, sounded like nothing else at the time — eerie, heavy, and foreboding.
That album, along with classics like Paranoid, Master of Reality, and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, laid the foundation for what would become heavy metal. Yet, Sabbath was never just about heaviness. They seamlessly fused blues, psychedelic rock, and even folk elements into their music, proving their versatility and genius.
Their distinct sound wasn’t just influential in metal circles. Bands from alternative rock to grunge and even experimental acts cite Sabbath as key inspirations.
Ozzy Osbourne — The Voice of a Generation
Central to the band’s success is Ozzy Osbourne — the so-called “Prince of Darkness.” His unmistakable voice, equal parts haunting and magnetic, became the defining sound of Black Sabbath and, by extension, heavy metal itself.
Ozzy’s charisma, both on and off stage, turned him into a global icon. Yet beyond his wild image lies an artist whose musical instincts have consistently guided Sabbath into groundbreaking territory.
In its profile, Forbes praised Ozzy’s ability to forge deep connections with fans:
“Ozzy Osbourne’s voice didn’t just front the band; it carried the emotional weight of an entire genre, capable of terrifying and comforting in equal measure.”
A New Era of Recognition for Heavy Music
For decades, rock critics often overlooked Black Sabbath in favor of more mainstream-friendly acts. While bands like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones regularly topped “greatest of all time” lists, Sabbath was often relegated to “metal-only” categories.
This latest ranking by Forbes breaks that mold — and signals a new era of recognition for heavy music’s broader cultural significance.
Many see this as long overdue. In fact, following the release of the ranking, an outpouring of support flooded social media from artists across genres, praising Forbes for its bold, historic choice.
Metallica’s James Hetfield posted:
“About time the world gave Sabbath their crown. None of us would be here without them.”
Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl, a longtime Sabbath devotee, wrote:
“Black Sabbath didn’t just change rock — they are rock. Hats off to the true kings.”
The Band’s Reaction — Humble Yet Triumphant
In response to the news, Ozzy Osbourne issued a heartfelt statement:
“I can’t believe it, to be honest. We were just four guys from Birmingham making noise. To be called the greatest rock band ever — that’s beyond anything we imagined.”
Tony Iommi echoed that sentiment, adding:
“It’s humbling. We’ve always just followed our passion for music. To know that it’s resonated for so long means the world.”
The Legacy Continues
With this latest accolade, Black Sabbath’s legacy is stronger than ever.
In 2025, they’re not only celebrated for their past, but also experiencing a renaissance among younger listeners. Their records have seen a massive surge in streaming numbers, and their iconic tracks are finding new life in video games, film soundtracks, and social media trends.
Beyond music, their influence now stretches across fashion, pop culture, and even philanthropy — as evidenced by their recent Back to the Beginning farewell concert, which raised £140 million for charity.
More Than a Band — A Movement
Black Sabbath’s journey from working-class outsiders to Forbes-crowned legends is the ultimate underdog story — one that proves greatness isn’t about chasing trends or fame, but about staying true to your vision and forging unbreakable bonds with fans.
Their music wasn’t built for radio. It wasn’t tailored for mass consumption.
And yet, here they are: The Greatest Rock Band of All Time.
As Forbes concluded in its piece:
“Black Sabbath didn’t just define heavy metal — they defined what it means to be a rock band. Raw, authentic, powerful — and timeless.”
The message is clear:
Long live the kings of rock.
Black Sabbath reigns supreme.
