For many, the birth of metal started with Black Sabbath, as the iconic foursome began laying down the heavy with 1970’s self-titled release. But though they are looked at as pioneers of the genre, guitarist Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler reveal that modern metal isn’t high on their current playlists.

Speaking to Metal Hammer, Butler admits, “I don’t particularly [listen to metal]. The Beatles, the [Rolling] Stones and the Kinks, that’s my kind of music.” Iommi added, “I tend to listen to the more older stuff really. More the classic stuff than the newer stuff because I relate to that more.”

That said, the pair are grateful for the praise they’ve received from the modern generation over the years.  “It’s absolutely amazing because we were put down by the press for so long, we didn’t really care about that because we always sold out at gigs and stuff in America,” said Butler. “And it wasn’t until bands like Anthrax covered ‘Sabbath Bloody Sabbath’ and Metallica cited us as their influence, we were going, ‘We’re being praised?!’”

The two longtime Black Sabbath musicians were on hand in their native Birmingham for the launch of a new exhibit titled Black Sabbath - 50 Years Exhibition at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. The exhibit features a wealth of Black Sabbath memorabilia and photos as well as some of their most famous stage clothing. It runs through Sept. 29 as part of the Birmingham Home of Metal project.

Since Sabbath’s final show, Iommi has discussed the possibility of working on a new album, but has taken some time for life before jumping in. Meanwhile, Butler is currently rocking with the supergroup Deadland Ritual.

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