Heaven and Hell were formed in 2006 by Black Sabbath members Tony Iommi,
Terence Butler, Ronnie James Dio and Vinny Appice. The four members of Heaven
and Hell recorded and toured together as Black Sabbath from 1980 to 1982 and
again from 1991 to 1992 (at the time, the band also included Geoff Nicholls).
In 2006, while the foursome reunited to record three new songs for the compilation album, “Black Sabbath: The Dio Years”, they decided to embark on a tour to support the record. Drummer Bill Ward declined the band's offer and made way for the other journeyman drummer, Vinny Appice. Iommi (owner of the Black Sabbath name) decided to call the touring group “Heaven and Hell” in order not to strain relations with Ozzy Osbourne. The moniker was taken from the first Dio-fronted Black Sabbath recording, Heaven and Hell.