Jimi Bell Reveals He Never Received Payment for Co-Writing Black Sabbath’s ‘Master of Insanity’
via NYR STARS / YouTube
Guitarist Jimi Bell recently opened up about a lesser-known story behind Black Sabbath’s 1992 track “Master of Insanity.” In a candid interview, he revealed that although he co-wrote the song, he never received payment for his work. The revelation sheds light on the often complicated and sometimes frustrating dynamics of songwriting credits in the rock world.
Bell’s recollections highlight both the excitement and disappointment of being tied to one of the most legendary heavy metal bands of all time. While hearing his work performed by Ronnie James Dio was unforgettable, the financial promises attached to the collaboration were never fulfilled.
The tale offers an inside look into the creative process behind Dehumanizer, one of Black Sabbath’s most powerful albums, and reminds fans that recognition in the music industry often comes with strings attached.
The Phone Call That Changed Everything
According to Bell, his involvement with Black Sabbath began with a call in 1991 from Gloria Butler, the wife of bassist Geezer Butler. She told him the band was reuniting with Ronnie James Dio and that they wanted to use “Master of Insanity” for their new record. For Bell, the news was thrilling.
However, the excitement was short-lived when he learned that he would not receive an official songwriting credit. Bell explained that this decision came down to guitarist Tony Iommi, who reportedly did not want a song by another guitarist to appear on a Sabbath album. The move left Bell sidelined in terms of recognition, despite his major contribution.
Still, Bell pressed forward with cautious optimism. He hoped that even without credit, there would be some financial compensation once the record was released and the tour was underway.
View this post on Instagram
Promises Made, Promises Broken
Bell did receive a small nod in the Dehumanizer liner notes, where Geezer Butler thanked him for his contribution. Additionally, Butler promised him payment after the tour. Unfortunately, that money never materialized. Bell confirmed that he never received a dime for his part in creating the track.
Despite this disappointment, Bell has tried to make peace with the situation. He spoke fondly of hearing Dio sing the song live, calling it one of the highlights of his career. Having his work immortalized onstage by one of metal’s greatest voices was a reward in itself.
Bell also pointed out that both Dio and Butler acknowledged the collaboration in their autobiographies. While that didn’t translate into financial gain, it at least provided him with some form of validation within the music world.
The Legacy of “Master of Insanity”
The story of “Master of Insanity” doesn’t end with Bell’s involvement. The track itself was originally developed by the Geezer Butler Band before being reworked for Black Sabbath’s Dehumanizer. Its final form on the album reflected the combined power of Dio, Iommi, Butler, and drummer Vinny Appice, with Geoff Nicholls adding keyboards.
Dehumanizer was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales under the guidance of producer Reinhold Mack, known for his work with Queen and Billy Squier. The record marked Dio’s return to the group and is widely regarded as one of Sabbath’s heaviest and most energetic albums.
Even without proper credit or payment, Bell’s fingerprints remain on “Master of Insanity.” His story adds a human layer to the track’s history and underscores the reality that some of the most iconic songs in rock come with complicated and, at times, unfair backstories.
