Obscure Prog Facts

Not prog, but it must be recorded for posterity. In the 1970’s, Black Sabbath did a tour where, at the climax of each gig, a troupe of hired dwarves danced about the stage, then threw themselves into a pit, simulating the fires of hell. The vertically challenged artistes considered themselves to be prima donnas and, as far as the roadies were concerned, a bigger pain in the arse than the band. The roadies got their revenge on the last night of the tour by removing the mattresses from the bottom of the pit. It was alleged that the moans and groans of pain could be audibly heard some 20 minutes after the theatre emptied.

Another Sabbath one – Tommy Iommi put it about that when he did his guitar solo, everyone should pay attention – band members, roadies, audience, the lot. When they did a hometown gig, and the time for the solo materialised. The stage lights faded, the remaining band members respectfully withdrew to the stage sides, the roadies appeared next to Ozzy & Co and the audience maintained an expectant silence. A solitary spotlight focused on Iommi’s guitar as he raised his left arm. Just then, the PA system burst into life as a voice in a strong Black Country accent said, “Car 62, can you do a pick-up at New Street Station for Cradley Heath?”

Whilst on a tour to promote the “Bomber” album, Motorhead toured with a lighting rig shaped like a WW2 Lancaster bomber, which hung over the audience. On a gig in Berlin, Germany, Lemmy pointed to the rig and said to the audience, “Did you think you would see another one of those in the air?”