Geezer Butler's brief exit from Black Sabbath was (probably) a 'Fairies Wear Boots' moment

Ready for another controversial bass moment in rock history? In 1977, bassist Geezer Butler experienced a brief departure from Black Sabbath, a period he later described as unexpectedly enjoyable. The incident occurred during a tumultuous time for the band, plagued by drug use and mismanagement concerns. This firing was delivered by drummer Bill Ward, who claimed the decision stemmed from a perception that Butler lacked enthusiasm. However, Butler himself believed it was a scapegoating move amid broader frustrations within the group.

Black Sabbath, often credited as pioneers of heavy metal, had achieved massive success by that point, selling millions of albums globally. Yet the band members were disillusioned due to financial struggles and a realization that they were likely being exploited by their management. Around this time, Butler briefly left the band, only to return, adding to the chaotic environment​. What happened?

Butler recounted his firing with a mix of relief and amusement. He spent the following weeks free from the pressures of touring and recording, describing it as a rare period of relaxation. This respite was short-lived, as he was soon summoned back to rehearsals by Ward. Upon his return, neither the firing nor the reinstatement was acknowledged by the rest of the band, leaving Butler perplexed but willing to continue​.

As Butler recalls: “About two or three weeks later, Bill calls me up and says, ‘Where are you?’ I said, ‘What do you mean?’ He said, ‘We’re here, rehearsing!.’ I said, ‘I thought I was fired… You told me I was fired from the band!’ He said, ‘Oh, yeah – forgot about that.’ So I went down to rehearsal, nobody said anything about it, just carried on as normal.”

Basically, it sounds like a real-life "Fairies Wear Boots" moment, because the decision was no doubt influenced by certain (and maybe some uncertain) chemicals. Fortunately, the band's drug use is so well-known that, frankly, there is little risk of being sued over such speculation...right?

It changed Geezer Butler's view on Black Sabbath

The dynamic among the original lineup — Butler, Osbourne, Ward, and guitarist Tony Iommi — was both creatively rich and fraught with interpersonal conflicts. Butler, who had co-founded the band and even suggested the name "Black Sabbath," had been integral to their dark, groundbreaking sound. Despite this, his trust in his bandmates was damaged by the incident, which he later described as a moment that permanently altered his relationship with the group​.

This episode occurred during the lead-up to significant changes for Black Sabbath. A few years later, Osbourne's firing (also by Bill Ward, apparently) and replacement by Ronnie James Dio marked the end of the band’s original era. Throughout these challenges, Butler’s resilience and talent helped him navigate periods of departure and return, solidifying his legacy as one of heavy metal’s most influential bassists​.