Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan discussed Black Sabbath’s ‘Born Again’ album and its upcoming remix in a recent interview with Rolling Stone Brazil.
The former Black Sabbath vocalist shared his mixed feelings about the 1983 record. He particularly emphasized concerns about its production quality.
“I think the songs are great. I just thought it was ridiculous — the mix was outrageous,” Gillan said. “All you could hear — if you ever saw the movie ‘[This Is] Spinal Tap’, then that’s the story of ‘Born Again’.”
He further detailed the technical issues that plagued the album’s mix.
“The bass level was so high, they couldn’t play it on the radio,” he continued. “So they’re gonna remix it. It’s a bit late, but, yeah, probably for aficionados or collectors or whatever — I don’t know. But there are some songs on there that I really, really think are great.”
Gillan recalled positive memories of the creative process and touring experience.
“It’s always a joy to write with Tony. And we certainly had some fun making the record,” he said. “It was quite a fantastic time, and I enjoyed the tour. It was the longest party I’ve ever been to. It lasted one year.”
He maintained his appreciation for the album while acknowledging its unique position in Black Sabbath’s history.
“I think the album is actually great. I always thought, we always recognized the fact that Ozzy’s [Osbourne] the singer with Black Sabbath, and people identify with that. So it was a kind of a weird hybrid kind of situation. But all in all, thank God they’re gonna remix it.”
The remix project emerges from a significant milestone in the album’s history. Historical documentation from Wikipedia revealed ‘Born Again’ stands as the only studio album featuring Gillan on vocals. This followed Ronnie James Dio’s departure from the band.
The album achieved notable commercial success despite its production controversies. Decibel Magazine documented the record’s impressive performance. It reached No. 4 in the UK charts. The album also secured a position in the US top 40.
Louder Sound detailed the tumultuous production process. Interpersonal tensions marked the recording sessions. The lack of clear artistic direction contributed to the controversial final mix. The original master tapes disappeared for decades, further complicating the album’s legacy.
Tony Iommi announced a breakthrough in July 2021. He confirmed the discovery of the long-lost original master tapes. The official release date remains unannounced as of early 2025. This development has sparked renewed interest among fans awaiting a definitive version of this unique Black Sabbath chapter.
