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Tony Iommi Nabbed Queen’s Brian May for New Solo Album, But Missed Out on Geezer Butler
Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has announced his first solo album in more than 20 years, From the Dark, due for release on 23 October. Queen guitarist Brian May is the record’s only guest, contributing a solo to “Death Wake”, underlining the long-standing friendship between the two musicians and adding a notable collaboration to Iommi’s return.
Iommi said he had hoped May would appear on additional tracks, but May felt Iommi’s own solos were sufficient. He had also wanted former Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler to play throughout the album, but Butler was unavailable, reportedly because of his own work; Mercyful Fate bassist Becky Baldwin was recruited instead. The album also features Norwegian singer and co-writer Jorn Lande and drummer Karl Brazil.
In short
- Tony Iommi’s new solo album arrives on 23 October.
- Brian May guests on one track, “Death Wake”.
- Geezer Butler was unavailable, so Becky Baldwin plays bass.
Explained simply
Tony Iommi is one of rock music's most influential guitarists, best known as the founder of Black Sabbath, the pioneering British heavy metal band that emerged in Birmingham in the late 1960s. Black Sabbath, which included bassist Geezer Butler from its formation, became one of the most important rock groups in history.
Black Sabbath disbanded in 2017 after a career spanning nearly five decades, during which Iommi and Butler's partnership formed the heart of the band's distinctive sound and songwriting. Since then, Iommi has largely stepped back from recording new material.
Iommi's new solo album therefore represents a significant return to the studio for one of rock's most accomplished and respected musicians, more than two decades after his last solo release. The project involves contributions from other notable rock figures, a reflection of the considerable influence and standing Iommi maintains within the industry.