Tony Iommi Discusses His Heartfelt Approach to Music in New Solo Album

On August 25, legendary guitarist Tony Iommi joined Loudwire Nights to celebrate the release of his first solo album in over two decades, From the Dark. In an engaging conversation with host Chuck Armstrong, Iommi opened up about his creative process, collaborations, and reflections on his late friend Ozzy Osbourne.

Creating From the Dark

Iommi’s approach to From the Dark mirrors his philosophy on guitar playing: it’s all about sincerity and passion. “I play the way I play — and that’s me. I like to just play from the heart,” he stated, emphasizing the joy and lack of pressure that characterized the album’s creation.

“It’s been good fun, there’s no pressure,” Iommi explained. “If nothing happened, nothing happened, then we’d do it the next time. But it did, every time we come to record something, it’d work.” He expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with vocalist Jorn Lande, bassist Becky Baldwin, and drummer Karl Brazil, all of whom contributed significantly to the album.

Interestingly, Iommi initially envisioned From the Dark as an instrumental project. “What happened originally, I was going to do an instrumental album,” he revealed. “I did actually do a couple of instrumentals and I thought, ‘Maybe I’d like to do it with a singer instead.'” Lande’s powerful vocals made him the ideal choice, as Iommi has long admired his singing style.

Reflections on Ozzy Osbourne

Given the recent passing of Ozzy Osbourne, any conversation with Iommi inevitably touches on their shared history. He expressed pride in the success of the tribute concert, Back to the Beginning, where numerous bands came together to honor Black Sabbath. Iommi shared that Ozzy was pleased with the event, stating, “He was really happy with it, that we could do it, you know.”

Tragically, Iommi’s last interaction with Ozzy was the night before his passing. “He said to me, ‘I really feel tired and really worn out,'” Iommi recalled, grappling with the sudden loss. He admitted that it’s still difficult to accept Ozzy’s absence, often finding reminders of him, even while watching YouTube videos.

Performing at Back to the Beginning

• Iommi described performing at the tribute concert as a “great honor,” but acknowledged the emotional difficulty of seeing Ozzy in a seated position rather than his usual energetic self.
• He fondly recalled their dynamic on stage, where Ozzy would often engage with his bandmates in playful antics.

Friendship with Brian May

Iommi also spoke about his long-standing friendship with Queen’s Brian May, who contributed to the track “Death Wake” on From the Dark. “We’ve known each other for 56, 58 years. He’s my best friend,” Iommi noted, highlighting their camaraderie and musical collaboration.

Future Projects and Potential Releases

• When asked about future projects, Iommi mentioned discussions about a vinyl release of his debut solo album, Iommi, and the possibility of remixing Born Again.
• He humorously acknowledged the complexity of managing various releases and mixes, stating, “I get confused with it all now.”

Conclusion

Tony Iommi’s heartfelt approach to music shines through in his new album From the Dark. As he navigates the complexities of loss, friendship, and creativity, his passion for music remains unwavering. Fans can look forward to experiencing Iommi’s unique sound and perspective in this long-awaited release.

FAQs

What is the title of Tony Iommi’s new album?

The title of Tony Iommi’s new album is From the Dark.

Who collaborated with Tony Iommi on From the Dark?

The album features collaborations with vocalist Jorn Lande, bassist Becky Baldwin, and drummer Karl Brazil.

What was Iommi’s initial plan for his solo album?

Initially, Iommi planned to create an instrumental album before deciding to include vocals.

How did Iommi feel about performing at the Ozzy Osbourne tribute concert?

Iommi described it as a great honor but mentioned the emotional difficulty of seeing Ozzy in a seated position during the performance.

Is there a possibility of a vinyl release for Iommi’s debut solo album?

Yes, there have been discussions about a vinyl release of Iommi’s debut solo album, Iommi.