“I play the way I play — and that’s me, I like to just play from the heart.” This philosophy remains the driving force behind the legendary Tony Iommi as he prepares for the release of From the Dark, his first solo album in over two decades. In a recent conversation, the iconic guitarist opened up about his creative process, his bandmates, and the profound impact of his final moments with the late Ozzy Osbourne.
The Creative Evolution of ‘From the Dark’
Iommi describes the recording process for From the Dark as a refreshing, pressure-free experience. Initially, the project was intended to be an instrumental endeavor. However, as the music took shape, Iommi felt the need for a vocal presence. He turned to vocalist Jorn Lande, whose voice he has long admired, to anchor the project. The ensemble is rounded out by bassist Becky Baldwin and drummer Karl Brazil, a group of musicians Iommi credits with making the recording sessions both productive and enjoyable.
“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.”
Reflecting on a Legacy and the Loss of Ozzy Osbourne
The conversation inevitably turned to the recent passing of Ozzy Osbourne. Iommi spoke candidly about the “Back to the Beginning” event, which served as a final celebration of the band’s monumental legacy. While the event was a success, Iommi admitted that seeing his longtime friend and bandmate in a weakened state was deeply difficult.
“In fact, I spoke to him the night before he passed,” Iommi shared. “He said to me, ‘I really feel tired and really worn out.’ I said, ‘Well, you’re bound to really, it’s been a lot of stress and pressure and stuff like that.’ And the next thing, the next day, [he’s] gone.” For Iommi, the loss remains surreal, noting that he still feels as though Ozzy is present, often finding himself reminded of their shared history through old footage and memories.
Collaborations and Future Endeavors
Beyond his solo work, Iommi touched upon his enduring friendship with Brian May, who contributes to the track “Death Wake.” Their relationship, spanning nearly six decades, is built on mutual respect and a shared love for the guitar. Looking ahead, Iommi continues to navigate a busy schedule of archival projects, including potential remixes and vinyl reissues, keeping the spirit of his legendary career alive for a new generation of fans.
