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Geezer Butler Biography, Age, Height, Family & More

Geezer Butler is a legendary English bassist, songwriter, and one of the founding members of the iconic heavy metal band Black Sabbath. Known for crafting the dark, doom-laden basslines and powerful lyrics that helped define the genre, Butler played a major role in albums like Paranoid and Master of Reality. Beyond Black Sabbath, he also collaborated with Ozzy Osbourne, performed in Heaven & Hell, and led his own project, GZR.

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In 2023, he published a memoir Into the Void, reflecting on his music, faith, and personal journey. Even after decades in the industry, Geezer continues to influence musicians globally and engage in vegan and animal rights activism.

Geezer Butler Wiki/Bio

Full NameTerence Michael Joseph Butler
Date of BirthJuly 17, 1949
Age76 years (as of 2025)
ProfessionBassist, Songwriter, Author
Famous ForFounding Black Sabbath, writing Paranoid lyrics
HometownAston, Birmingham, England
Current ResidenceUnited States
ReligionCatholic (influenced lyrical themes)
NationalityBritish
Zodiac SignCancer
Instagram ID@geezerbutler

Physical Details

Height5’11” (180 cm, estimated)
WeightApprox. 70 kg
Eye ColorBrown
Hair ColorGrey (formerly black)
Geezer Butler

Geezer Butler Early Life

Born in Aston, Birmingham, Geezer grew up in a large, working-class Catholic family. His father, James Butler, worked in a factory. As a teenager, Geezer was inspired by The Beatles and John Entwistle of The Who. At 16, he picked up the bass guitar and never looked back. He started a band called Rare Breed with schoolmate Ozzy Osbourne, which eventually evolved into Black Sabbath in 1968. His nickname “Geezer” came from a local slang term, originally meant in jest, but it stuck.

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Geezer Butler Education

Butler attended local schools in Birmingham but dropped out early to pursue music full-time. His education in music was largely self-taught, blending rock, blues, and classical influences. Through endless jam sessions with Black Sabbath, he honed not just his instrumental skills but also his signature lyrical style, marked by themes of war, religion, and dystopia.

Geezer Butler Family Details

Geezer is one of seven siblings, though their names have not been publicly shared. He married Gloria Butler in 1980, and they’ve been together ever since. The couple has two sons, including James Butler, and are known for their deep involvement in animal welfare.

FatherJames Butler
SiblingsSix (Names not publicized)
SpouseGloria Butler (m. 1980–Present)
ChildrenJames Butler and one other son
Geezer Butler

Relationships

Butler has been happily married to Gloria for over four decades. They share common interests in animal rights and often keep family matters private. He maintains a cordial relationship with former bandmates Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, and even Ozzy, despite creative differences over the years.

Geezer Butler Career Highlights

Geezer Butler’s contributions to heavy metal are immense. As the lyricist and bassist for Black Sabbath, he shaped the band’s dark, philosophical identity. His basslines in tracks like War Pigs, Iron Man, and N.I.B. became genre-defining. He temporarily left the band in the 1980s but rejoined multiple times, including for The End tour (2012–2017). He also played with Heaven & Hell, alongside Ronnie James Dio, and released albums under his solo project GZR.

In 2023, Butler published Into the Void, a memoir that dives into his journey from Aston to global rock stardom.

Career Milestones

MilestoneDetails
Black SabbathCo-founded in 1968; bassist and lyricist
Ozzy’s Solo BandJoined in early 1980s
Solo WorkGZR – Plastic Planet (1995)
MemoirInto the Void (2023)
AwardsRock & Roll Hall of Fame (2015, with Black Sabbath)

Geezer Butler Net Worth

Estimated Net Worth$70–80 million USD (as of 2025)
Annual Income$500K–$1M USD
Income SourcesMusic royalties, touring, book sales

Butler’s wealth comes from Black Sabbath royalties, solo albums, book deals, and global tours. His memoir and continued public appearances have added to his earnings.

Controversies

Though generally low-profile, Geezer was arrested in 2015 after a bar altercation in California. The issue was resolved quickly with no major fallout. He’s also drawn occasional criticism for his strong vegan views. Minor creative tensions with Ozzy Osbourne resurfaced during the 2012 Black Sabbath reunion but were kept private.

Favorite Things

HobbiesVegan cooking, Reading, Watching Football
Favorite MusiciansJohn Entwistle, Jack Bruce
Football TeamAston Villa F.C.

Style & Personality

Geezer’s style remains classic heavy metal—black leather jackets, band tees, and boots. His long grey hair and no-nonsense attitude make him a quiet icon. Off-stage, he’s thoughtful, introverted, and passionate about social causes.

Recent Updates

  • 2023: Released his memoir Into the Void.
  • 2023: Toured with Deadland Ritual.
  • Still active on Instagram, promoting music, memoir, and animal rights.
  • July 2025: Expressed deep grief over Ozzy Osbourne’s passing, and hinted at Black Sabbath tribute events.

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