Black Sabbath Once Auditioned Michael Bolton to be Their Lead Singer

Author Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter

March 9th, 2020 10:07 AM

Black Sabbath fronted by Michael Bolton?! Yes, this was very much a possibility.

In a lengthy interview with Gibson (as transcribed by Metal Wani), Tony Iommi reflected on finding a new singer once Ronnie James Dio left Sabbath. “So, there was a lot looking for another singer, and we would audition various singers, including Michael Bolton,” said Iommi. “Believe it or not, he was one of them, which was an odd one. It just went on a bit, and we couldn’t decide.”

While Sabbath would end up bringing Ian Gillan on board at this time in their history, Bolton, oddly enough, has denied he ever auditioned for Sabbath. In a 2014 interview with U.K.’s Echo News, Bolton said his Sabbath audition was “…only a rumor. I don’t know how on Earth it started.”

Regardless of who you believe, at least we’ll always have clips of Bolton from his time with the failed rock band Blackjack, not to mention the gem that is 1983’s “Fools Game.”

11 Original Band Names We’re Glad Didn’t Stick

• The Polka Tulk Blues Band (Black Sabbath)

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  Black Sabbath's original name came from the brand name of a talcum powder Ozzy Osbourne’s mother used.  Yeah…definitely not as dark as Black Sabbath.

• Rat Salad (Van Halen)

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  Awesome Black Sabbath song, but it’s not the best band name.  Plus, without the Van Halen band name, we wouldn’t have their classic band logo, which is easily one of the coolest logos to rock on a shirt ever.

• Mookie Blaylock (Pearl Jam)

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  One of the best athlete names of all time?  Of course!  A great band name?  Not exactly.  Eddie Vedder once said the band that would become Pearl Jam were too busy writing music to come up with a band name.  We’re thankful for the great music, but we’re equally as thankful for the name change, even if there are some sticky rumors behind that name's origin, too.
• The New Yardbirds (Led Zeppelin)

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  Fact:  Nearly every “new” version of a previously well-respected brand is always crap.  (Ex: “New” Coke.)  Definitely thankful for this name change.

• Rocket Baby Dolls (Muse)

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  One of the biggest bands in the world was once named after a Japanese porno movie.  Smart change, lads!

• Screaming Abdabs (Pink Floyd)

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  “Screaming Abdabs” is apparently slang for “extreme anxiety or nervousness.”  We’re sure many record companies would’ve been nervous as to how to market a band with that name.
• Sweet Children (Green Day)

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  It’s not like Sweet Children is a bad name; the problem lies within when the band members age.  Think about pop groups like New Kids on the Block or Backstreet Boys.  When you’re old enough to qualify for an AARP membership, a name that signifies youth is just silly.

• Tony Flow and the Miraculously Majestic Masters of Mayhem (Red Hot Chili Peppers)

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  Good lord! There are no words. Why? The Chili Peppers seemingly used all of them in that terrible attempt at a band name.

• Pud (Doobie Brothers)

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  Out of all slang terms for male genitalia, this one is definitely the least sexy and whimsical. Way to opt for a weed-based name!
• Cans of Piss (R.E.M.)

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  For a moment, imagine “Shiny Happy People” by a band called Cans of Piss. Ugh...just awful!

• Naked Toddler (Creed)

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  Regardless of your feelings about Creed, imagine a song as poignant as “With Arms Wide Open” by a band named NAKED TODDLER!  Actually, never mind. Just don’t.

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Author Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter

Category:

• Music
• Music News
• WJBR

Tags:

Black Sabbath,Michael Bolton