Introduction
Ira Black (born March 23, 1971) is an American heavy metal guitarist and songwriter. Black has played in over 60 bands since the early 1980s and is best known for his work with Metal Church, Vicious Rumors, Heathen and Lizzy Borden. Black has been a strict vegan for 20 years. While in LA County jail in 2009 on a traffic violation, Black garnered national media attention by going on a 10-day hunger strike when he was refused vegan meals. Black is also known for his silver painted mountain lion cat spine attached to his beard and his below the waist mane of hair. Black was featured on the cover of Rockdetector's A to Z Thrash Metal book, banging his head at the Bang Your Head Festival in Germany 2001 showcasing Black's thrashing metal presence.
Early life
Black was born in Sacramento, California. He started playing the guitar at eight years old. He lived half of his early childhood in Rhode Island before moving to California in 1985. Black is a self-taught guitarist. His father, Gary Black, also a guitarist in Sacramento, was an early inspiration in his life.
Professional career
2016-Present
Black currently plays in the band Westfield Massacre with lead singer Tommy Vext formerly of Snot and Divine Heresy.
2011-2012
Black played with the Hollywood Hustlers and created a solo project called Ira Black Attack.
2009
Recorded "Send in the Clowns" for Carrot Top's Stage Show at the Luxor in Las Vegas with singer Paul Shortino, Tyler Burgess and drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott with Tom Parham.
2006-2009
Lizzy Borden. Metal Blade Records. Co-wrote CD “Appointment with Death” in 2007.
2005
Toured with Metal Church and also with Chris Caffery.
2001-2005
Black played in the heavy metal band Vicious Rumors.