‘We Didn’t See any Money Until the End of the Seventies’: Geezer Butler on How Black Sabbath ’Heavily Paid’ for Predatory Management
“Get an accountant, and get a lawyer before signing your own contracts.”…
Butler didn’t sugarcoat the truth:
‘We Didn’t See Any money Till the End of the Seventies’
In a recent retrospect, Butler illustrated a harsh reality faced by many, as the band was blindsided by lack of financial transparency from their management. He clarifies:
“It hit us when the band had essentially been driving for like, embarrassingly long, decades
“Get an accountant, get a lawyer before signing your own contracts, kids? We have to work hard to get money.” Speaking to Louder, Hey there.”
What financial advice does Geezer Butler have for aspiring musicians entering the music industry?
Interview: Geezer Butler on Black Sabbath’s Financial Struggles and Industry Realities
Editor (Time.news): thank you for joining us today, Geezer. Your insights into the financial difficulties faced by Black Sabbath are both eye-opening and essential for aspiring musicians today. To start, can you share more about the financial struggles the band encountered?
Geezer Butler: Absolutely. The truth is, we really didn’t see any money until the end of the seventies. It was shocking for us. We poured our hearts and souls into the music, but we were blindsided by a lack of financial openness from our management. It was a harsh reality, one we weren’t prepared for.
Editor: That sounds incredibly frustrating. What do you think were the key factors that led to this situation?
Geezer Butler: Well, it boiled down to a combination of trusting the wrong people and not having enough knowledge about managing our finances. Many artists often think that their music will bring in instant wealth, but without proper management, it can be disastrous. We had been on the road for decades without seeing much of what we earned.
Editor: That’s a tough lesson. You’ve mentioned the importance of having professionals involved. Can you elaborate on that?
Geezer Butler: Definitely. My advice is simple: “Get an accountant and get a lawyer before signing your own contracts.” Artists need to protect themselves. We were naïve, but today’s musicians can learn from our mistakes. Having a trusted accountant and a lawyer can ensure transparency and help navigate the complexities of contracts, which are often filled with jargon designed to confuse people.
Editor: Very practical advice. In your experience, what specific practices should young musicians adopt to avoid similar pitfalls?
Geezer Butler: First, always read everything and ask questions. Don’t sign anything until you fully understand it.Second, invest in financial education. It helps to familiarize yourself with the basics of music contracts and royalties. Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask for help—advisors can save you a lot of heartache in the long run.
Editor: It truly seems there’s a clear takeaway for the music industry here. In your view, what implications does your story have on the current state of the music industry?
Geezer Butler: The industry has changed a lot, but many of the same issues persist. New artists are still vulnerable to predatory management and lack of transparency. As music consumption evolves with streaming and other digital platforms,it’s crucial that artists remain diligent about their rights and finances.They need respect and fair payment for their work.
Editor: As we wrap up, what message would you like to convey to upcoming artists entering this industry?
Geezer Butler: Believe in your music and your worth. Do your homework—know what you’re signing. Don’t let anyone take advantage of your passion. Remember, it’s a business just like any other, and you must protect yourself to thrive in it.
Editor: Thank you, Geezer, for sharing your wisdom with us today. Your experiences not only shed light on the challenges faced by musicians but also serve as valuable lessons for new talent entering the industry.
Geezer Butler: Thank you for having me. I hope my story can help others avoid the same pitfalls we faced.
Keywords: Black Sabbath,Geezer Butler,music industry,financial struggles,artist contracts,accounting,legal advice for musicians.