Guitarist Jimi Bell has revealed details about his involvement with Black Sabbath’s “Master of Insanity.” He confirmed he never received payment for the song despite promises from bassist Geezer Butler, as reported in an interview with Guitar World.
Bell’s comments addressed the circumstances surrounding his co-writing credit. They also covered the financial arrangements that were promised but never fulfilled.
When asked about co-writing “Master of Insanity” and the issues with credit and payment, Bell provided detailed insight into what transpired.
“In ’91 I got a call from Geezer’s wife, Gloria,” Bell said. “She told me Sabbath was reuniting with Ronnie James Dio and wanted to use Master of Insanity on the new album. I was thrilled – until I found out I wouldn’t get songwriting credit.”
Bell explained that the credit issue stemmed from Tony Iommi’s position on the matter.
“Tony Iommi apparently didn’t want a song by another guitarist on a Sabbath record,” he continued.
Despite the credit complications, Bell acknowledged some recognition he did receive from the band.
“Geezer did thank me in the liner notes, and he promised me payment after the tour,” Bell said. “I never saw the money. But hearing Dio perform a song I wrote was unforgettable. Ronnie even mentioned our collaboration in his book, and Geezer wrote about it in his autobiography, so I’ve made peace with it.”
Bell’s experience with “Master of Insanity” provides insight into the complex dynamics surrounding Black Sabbath’s 1992 reunion. It also sheds light on the creation of one of their most celebrated later albums.
The song appeared on Black Sabbath’s 1992 album “Dehumanizer.” This album marked the return of Ronnie James Dio to the band after his previous stint in the early 1980s. B102.7 reported that the album was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales with producer Reinhold Mack, known for his work with Queen and Billy Squier.
The recording sessions featured the classic Dio-era lineup with drummer Vinny Appice returning to replace Cozy Powell. Powell had suffered an injury before recording began. This reunion lineup helped create what many consider one of Black Sabbath’s heaviest albums, celebrated for its galvanic energy and powerful performances.
“Master of Insanity” itself has an interesting backstory beyond Bell’s involvement. Wikipedia noted that the track originally existed as an unreleased song by the Geezer Butler Band. The version that appeared on “Dehumanizer” was essentially a re-recording of that earlier composition.
The final recording featured Geoff Nicholls on keyboards alongside the core Sabbath lineup of Dio, Iommi, Butler, and Appice. This collaboration between Bell’s original songwriting and Black Sabbath’s signature sound resulted in one of the standout tracks on an album that marked a successful creative reunion for the band during the early 1990s metal scene.
