I en kort intervju med Rocknytts Fredrik Ek Sotka berättar Bev Bevan om sin tid som livemedlem i Black Sabbath under Born Again-turnén 1983.
You were the final muscician to enter the Black Sabbath band before it turned in to a Tony Iommi solo project. Could you tell me a bit about the musical chemestry between yourself – Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi and Ian Gillan.
– The musical chemistry worked very well between us. More importantly, the personal chemistry was terrific too. They were (and still are – particularly Tony ) very good friends of mine. In rehearsals for the European and American tours we all swapped musical ideas.
On tour you performed one of the most exiting set lists in the history of the band. You played songs like Children of the Grave, War Pigs, Rock N Roll Doctor and Heaven and Hell. Was there any songs you preferred to play?
– My favourite tracks to play were Heaven and Hell, Neon Nights, Children of the Grave and Smoke on the Water. Tony felt that we needed to include a Purple song since Gillan was in the fold, I think it was my idea to include “Smoke on the Water” in the encore.
How challenging was this set list technically for you as a drummer?
– I had to revert back to a drumming style more like the one I used in early Move days. I’d say I was the loudest drummer in the Birmingham area until John Bonham came along!
The original line up of Black Sabbath has recently reunited. As a former member of the band, interacting with fans, media, how do you feel about the original line up reunion?
– I think it’s great that the original Sabbath is together again. I look forward to Tony playing me the new tracks and look forward to going to one of their opening shows too.
