p e n g u i n d e v i l

Black and Blue. Well, it’s been nearly 30 years since I’ve seen this movie (then was in a double feature at the still awesome Cinema 21 with AC/DC’s Let There Be Rock, of all things… The best rock movie double bill of all time, both of these NEED real DVD releases!). My awareness of both Black Sabbath and Blue Öyster Cult has grown from next to nothing then to a point where I can really appreciate the content of this classic concert movie, Black and Blue. Yes, the colors are washed out and the picture isn’t good even other than that. But those two bands, in 1980, in a coliseum? Can you get any better? No, I don’t think so. And the sound is pretty good. BÖC in general don’t show much stage presence, but Sabbath? Well Ronnie James Dio dishes out generous handfuls of his trademark La Mano Cornuda, as does Tony. And surrounded by their crosses? It’s funny if you look at those things and then actually listen to their lyrics, you realize that they are actually a christian rock band, or at least they sing songs with a positive on “god” message, while surrounding themselves with crucifix’s and making hand signs intended to protect you from evil.. But boy, what a christian rock band. And no, you don’t have to flame me for saying that… But it’s true, I swear!

Obviously, Sabbath are one of the best and most important bands to ever walk the face of the earth and while I am generally an ozzy fan (I mean, in Sabbath, not his solo swill), but watching this I realize how his lame lackluster showmanship is easily (and entertainingly) replaced by Dio’s big grins and assertive blouses and presence, always moving around, gesturing, point those two fingers at everyone. He’s quite good. But, of course, I’ve only seen ozzy strut his stuff when he was already an old geezer, at the lame ozzfest, the only high point of which was Sepultura, who ruled that night.

Unlike Gorgoroth’s Black Mass, there is nothing here but the band, some lights and a couple of big sabbath crosses (strangely reminding me of Spinal Tap’s Stonehenge, had it been built to “feet”). But they don’t need anything else. because they are an amazing band with an arsenal of amazing songs.

The deal itself? Well, the movie starts out with a really lame video for BÖC’s The Marshall Plan, but then moves right into some awesome Sabbath… Starting their show off with War Pigs, Neon Nights and N.I.B., they really take the stage. It’s great but it is almost too great. Because when BÖC come out (who I like quite a bit) and start of with some crappy song I’ve never heard before, Dr. Music, it sure seems a let down. They then perk it one with one of their best, Cities on Flame with Rock N Roll, but then drop the ball again with a boring (anti-Iran version) of Divine Wind (replete with an Ayatollah guitar player)…

Luckily, Sabbath retake the stage with Iron Man and the show goes on! If you have any interest in 1970’s hard rock or either of these bands, this rare little gem is certainly worth tracking down. The Cult are a great band, but as stage mates to Iommi and Sabbath, they really do pale. Sabbath is so good here, the movie is a must see.