"Never Say Die!" is the eighth studio album by English rock band Black Sabbath, released on September 29, 1978. This album marked the last studio collaboration with the original lineup, featuring Ozzy Osbourne on vocals until his return in 2013 for 13. Despite being certified Gold in the U.S. in 1997, the album received mixed reviews, with critics noting a lack of cohesion in its sound.
The recording of Never Say Die! was marked by significant turmoil within the band, primarily due to drug and alcohol abuse. Osbourne briefly left the band prior to recording, leading to a short-lived stint with vocalist Dave Walker. However, Osbourne returned and refused to sing any of the songs written during Walker's time, resulting in some tracks needing to be reworked. Tensions were palpable, and the band often struggled to communicate effectively.
The recording took place at Sounds Interchange Studios in Toronto, which proved to have a challenging acoustic environment, leading the band to alter the studio space to achieve a more desirable sound. Iommi later described the sessions as chaotic, filled with distractions, and hindered by the band's substance issues.
The album features tracks like "Johnny Blade," "Air Dance," and "Breakout," the latter being an instrumental that Osbourne disapproved of, stating it veered too far into jazz territory. Despite the internal conflicts, some band members defended the album, considering it an attempt to experiment musically even amidst difficulties.
The album cover was designed by Storm Thorgerson's Hipgnosis, featuring an image of a North American T-6 Texan aircraft, with variations between the U.S. and UK releases.
While Never Say Die! may not hold the same acclaim as earlier works, it reflects a pivotal moment in Black Sabbath's history, encapsulating the band's struggles and the beginning of the end for the original lineup. The album’s complex dynamics and chaotic atmosphere have since garnered a retrospective appreciation for its rawness and authenticity.
