Black Sabbath

In November 1976, Black Sabbath was riding high on the success of their fifth studio album, 'Technical Ecstasy,' which they released just weeks before this live recording. The band was in a phase of both experimentation and transition, exploring more melodic elements while retaining their signature heavy sound. This performance of 'War Pigs' at Selland Arena in Fresno offers a glimpse into their captivating live energy, illustrating how they maintained their reputation as the forefathers of heavy metal. A fascinating tidbit is that at this stage, Black Sabbath was beginning to see some shifts in their lineup; this period also precedes the release of 'Never Say Die!' in 1978, marking the end of an era before various changes ensued. The raw intensity of this show perfectly encapsulates what made them legends, even as they were navigating a pivotal moment in their career.

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