Births on February 22

Dave Spitz, American bass player and songwriter

Dave "The Beast" Spitz is a name that resonates across diverse fields, from the thunderous stages of heavy metal to the disciplined world of martial arts and the rigorous halls of justice. Born on February 22, 1958, this American musician, attorney, and martial artist has forged a remarkable path, perhaps best known for his powerful bass work with the legendary heavy metal band Black Sabbath during a pivotal period in the mid-1980s. Yet, his story extends far beyond the realm of rock and roll, revealing a man of extraordinary talent and dedication across multiple disciplines.

The Early Years and a Roaring Start in Music

Born in the bustling Forest Hills neighborhood within the borough of Queens, New York City, Dave Spitz’s journey began with a strong foundation in music. Interestingly, the musical prowess runs in the family; he is the older brother of Dan Spitz, the renowned former lead guitarist of the iconic American thrash metal band Anthrax, illustrating a shared passion for high-octane rock from a young age. Dave’s formal education led him to SUNY Geneseo in upstate New York, where he graduated in 1979. During his college years, the seeds of his future career were sown as he honed his skills playing in local bands like Freeway and Buzzoleo, laying the groundwork for the bigger stages that awaited him.

Journey into Black Sabbath: A Moment in Heavy Metal History

It was Dave Spitz's tenure with Black Sabbath from 1985 to 1987 that cemented his place in heavy metal lore. During a period of frequent lineup changes for the seminal band, Spitz held down the low end, contributing his distinctive basslines to the album Seventh Star. This album, originally conceived as a solo project for guitarist Tony Iommi, eventually became a Black Sabbath release and showcased Spitz's talent. He was also credited for, though did not play on, the album The Eternal Idol, a testament to his association with the band during that era. Beyond his studio work, Spitz played a crucial role in a significant lineup shift, helping to discover and bring vocalist Ray Gillen into the fold. Gillen joined Black Sabbath mid-tour in 1986, stepping in after the unexpected departure of Glenn Hughes, a moment that added another chapter to the band's complex history and highlighted Spitz's influence beyond just playing the bass.

Diverse Musical Collaborations and Enduring Passions

While his time with Black Sabbath remains a career highlight, Dave Spitz's musical journey is rich with collaborations across the rock spectrum. In the 1990s, he lent his talents to the Californian hard rock band Great White, contributing to their albums Psycho City and Let it Rock. His versatility as a bassist saw him perform with other notable acts like White Lion, and his discography extends to recordings with a wide array of bands including Americade, Slamnation, Insomnia, Nuclear Assault, Purple Heart, Kuni, Deepset, and War Pigs, demonstrating a broad impact as a sought-after musician. Even today, Spitz continues to fuel his passion for music as a member of McBrain Damage, a dynamic project featuring none other than Iron Maiden's legendary drummer, Nicko McBrain. He actively tours with the band during McBrain's breaks from Iron Maiden duties, ensuring his presence on stage remains vibrant.

Beyond the Bass: A Life of Law and Discipline

Dave Spitz's impressive career is not confined to the music world. In a remarkable transition, he embarked on a demanding new profession, becoming a full-time Civil Trial Attorney. Since 1999, Spitz has been practicing law in South Florida, where he successfully established and operates his own law firm. This significant career pivot began after he moved to Florida in 1996 to attend law school, showcasing his drive for continuous learning and professional development. This dual life, balancing the creative demands of a heavy metal musician with the intellectual rigor of legal practice, truly underscores his unique character.

Mastering Martial Arts: A Dedication to Gōjū-ryū Karate-dō

Further illustrating his commitment to discipline and personal mastery, Dave Spitz is also an accomplished martial artist. He holds a second-degree black belt (Nidan) in traditional Okinawan Gōjū-ryū Karate-dō, a testament to decades of dedication. His journey in karate began at the tender age of 14 in New York, where he initially trained under the esteemed U.S.A. Kata champion, Sensei Chuck Merriman, and actively competed in numerous karate tournaments. Following his intense years with Black Sabbath, Spitz continued his martial arts training in California, seeking out the very best. He had the distinct privilege of undertaking training with Sensei Morio Higaonna, the world's highest-ranking practitioner of Gōjū-ryū and President of the International Okinawan Gōjū-ryū Karate-dō Federation, a profound experience for any martial artist. His training lineage also includes studies with Sensei Mel Pralgo, Sensei Rodney Hu, Sensei Stan O'Hara, and Sensei Miko Peled. For many years, Spitz held the honored position of Dai Senpai (highest ranking student and assistant instructor) at Sensei Pralgo's dojo in Thousand Oaks, California, before his move to Florida for law school. This lifelong pursuit highlights a profound personal commitment to self-improvement and physical and mental discipline.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dave Spitz

Who is Dave Spitz?

Dave "The Beast" Spitz is an American musician, best known as a bassist for Black Sabbath, a civil trial attorney, and a second-degree black belt in Gōjū-ryū Karate-dō. He is also the older brother of Anthrax guitarist Dan Spitz.

What bands is Dave Spitz famous for playing with?

He is most famous for his work as a bassist with Black Sabbath from 1985 to 1987. He also played with Great White, White Lion, and currently performs with McBrain Damage, featuring Iron Maiden's Nicko McBrain, among many other album credits.

Which Black Sabbath albums did Dave Spitz appear on?

Dave Spitz played on Seventh Star and was credited for, but did not play on, The Eternal Idol.

Is Dave Spitz related to Dan Spitz of Anthrax?

Yes, Dave Spitz is the older brother of Dan Spitz, the former lead guitarist of the thrash metal band Anthrax.

What does Dave Spitz do outside of music?

Beyond his music career, Dave Spitz has been a full-time Civil Trial Attorney in South Florida since 1999, where he runs his own law firm. He is also a highly accomplished martial artist, holding a Nidan (second-degree black belt) in traditional Okinawan Gōjū-ryū Karate-dō.

What is Dave Spitz's martial arts background?

He is a Nidan (second-degree black belt) in Gōjū-ryū Karate-dō. He began training at 14, studied under Sensei Chuck Merriman, and later with the world's highest-ranking practitioner, Sensei Morio Higaonna, as well as Sensei Mel Pralgo, where he served as Dai Senpai.