**Black Sabbath – Cross Purposes Live (Live) (1995): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts**

Released in 1995, Cross Purposes Live is a live album documenting Black Sabbath’s Tony Martin-era performances during the Cross Purposes tour. The album captures the band at their most intense on stage, blending classic Sabbath riffs with melodic metal and live energy.

This live release is a snapshot of a transitional era, showcasing the band’s ability to perform consistently heavy and theatrical shows even in the mid-1990s.

Album Overview

Cross Purposes Live highlights Tony Martin’s strong vocal performances, Tony Iommi’s signature riffing, and the tight rhythm section of Cozy Powell (drums) and Neil Murray (bass).

The album includes a mix of songs from the Cross Purposes studio album, earlier Tony Martin-era tracks, and select classic Sabbath staples, offering a well-rounded live experience for fans of the band’s late-era lineup.

**Tracklist – Black Sabbath: Cross Purposes Live (1995)**

I Witness
Cross of Thorns
Psychophobia
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
Shadow of the Wind
Born to Lose
Back to Eden
Gods
Headless Cross
Devil & Daughter

Album Review

The album opens with “I Witness,” immediately establishing the dark, heavy tone of the show. “Cross of Thorns” and “Psychophobia” display Tony Martin’s dramatic vocal range and the band’s precise, riff-heavy live execution.

Classic Tony Martin-era tracks like “Back to Eden” and “Gods” are performed with energy and clarity, while older fan favorites such as Headless Cross and Devil & Daughter add nostalgic heft.

The album demonstrates that even late-era Sabbath retained the power, heaviness, and stage presence that made them legends in the metal world.

Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know

• Fun Fact: Cross Purposes Live was recorded during the European leg of the Cross Purposes tour.
• Trivia: Tony Martin’s vocals are captured at their most theatrical and powerful, highlighting his range and consistency.
• Did You Know? The live album includes fan-favorite tracks from Headless Cross, bridging multiple late-era albums.
• Fun Fact: Cozy Powell’s drumming is particularly prominent in tracks like “Back to Eden” and “Gods.”
• Did You Know? This album provides one of the few official live recordings of the Tony Martin-era lineup performing classic and newer tracks together.

Cultural Legacy

Cross Purposes Live stands as a testament to Black Sabbath’s endurance in the mid-1990s, showcasing tight performances, melodic power, and classic heavy metal riffs.

The album is particularly valued by fans of the Tony Martin era, providing a rare official live document that captures the band’s energy, musicianship, and stage presence during a period often overlooked in Sabbath’s long career.