Eric Singer

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Lore & Background

Singer's path to Black Sabbath began after he worked at King Musical Instruments and played with the Cleveland band Beau Coup. In 1984, he became Lita Ford's touring drummer, a gig that led to an appearance in Olivia Newton-John's "Culture Shock" music video. His big break came in 1985 when he joined Black Sabbath. He recorded and toured to support the Seventh Star album, bringing his own style to the band's evolving sound. In 1987, during the recordings for The Eternal Idol, Singer departed the group to tour with Gary Moore in support of Wild Frontier. Despite leaving mid-recording, his contributions are preserved on that album. Before fully committing to Kiss in December 1991 following Eric Carr's death, he also played on Badlands' self-titled debut album and toured with Paul Stanley as a solo artist.

In Their Own Story

In 1985, the stage lights shifted for Eric Singer as he stepped into Black Sabbath. He wasn't just filling a chair; he was recording and touring to support Seventh Star, an album that marked a significant chapter in the band's history. His time with them intensified through 1987, where he was deeply involved in the sessions for The Eternal Idol. However, the road diverged when Singer left the studio to join Gary Moore's band for the Wild Frontier tour. This move showcased his ability to pivot between major acts, a skill that would define his career. He later returned to the spotlight with Badlands and Paul Stanley before officially becoming Kiss's drummer in December 1991. His journey from Cleveland to international stardom was paved by these early, high-stakes collaborations with rock titans like Ozzy Osbourne and Gary Moore.

Reader's Guide

For fans exploring Eric Singer's connection to Black Sabbath, the essential listening includes Seventh Star (1986) and The Eternal Idol (1987). These albums capture his drumming during a transitional period for the band. While he did not participate in the reunion tours with original members Peter Criss or Ace Frehley, his work on these records remains a crucial part of the Sabbath discography. Singer's role was strictly as a touring and recording member; he left The Eternal Idol sessions to pursue Gary Moore but is credited on the final release. His performance style blended power with endurance, suitable for the heavy riffs of the era. Unlike his later long-term tenure in Kiss, where he wore makeup and assumed a persona, his Sabbath years were defined by pure musicianship without the theatrical elements that would later define his career.

Did You Know?

• Eric Singer was born Eric Doyle Mensinger in Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up in Euclid.
• He left Black Sabbath during the recording of The Eternal Idol in 1987 to tour with Gary Moore.
• Singer appeared on over 75 albums and 11 EPs throughout his career.
• His father, Johnny Mensinger, was a local big band leader who played on cruise ships between the US and Europe.
• He debuted as Kiss's drummer in December 1991 following the death of Eric Carr.