10 Worst Times Hard Rock Bands Changed Singers

Similar to Van Halen, Black Sabbath is most known for two distinct eras in their history: the Ozzy Osborne years and the Ronnie James Dio years. Upon further review there is a whole hell of a lot more forgotten Sabbath vocalists.

The classic line-up of Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, Geezer Butler, and Ozzy formed in the late 60's. Ozzy first tried stepping away in 1977 to pursue a solo career and was briefly replaced by Dave Walker. Though Osbourne would return shortly after, he was officially fired in 1979 because of his substance abuse and replaced by Rainbow's Ronnie James Dio. After two albums and successful touring, he left to form the band Dio.

The remaining members of Sabbath went back to work in the studio, this time with former vocalist from Deep Purple, Ian Gillan. They recorded 1983's Born Again and Gillian stepped away after its release. In 1984, Ron Keel was tapped to be the next singer, but left before an album could be put together. David Donato was next in line, but was out before the end of the year.

In 1985, Iommi was the last original member left and decided to pursue his own solo career and began working with another Deep Purple vocalist in Glenn Hughes. Seventh Star was released in 1986, but Iommi was put under studio pressure to release the record as another Black Sabbath album. Hughes would suffer an injury and was replaced by Ray Gillen.

Gillen left during the recording of 1987's The Eternal Idol, now with Tony Martin coming in to record vocals. Martin managed to last through two more albums having sang for 1989's Headless Cross and 1990's Tyr. Dio returned in 1991, though briefly had a falling out with Iommi over who would handle the drums for 1992's Dehumanizer. Martin was again brought back to record two more albums, 1994's Cross Purposes and 1995's Forbidden (which included a guest appearance from rapper Ice-T). When the last album was panned by fans and critics, Black Sabbath eventually made their long-awaited reunion with Ozzy Osbourne in 1997.