Tony Iommi to release first solo album in two decades featuring Brian May
Black Sabbath founder Tony Iommi is returning to the recorded music market with his first solo album in twenty years, underscoring the enduring commercial and cultural resonance of Europe’s heavy metal pioneers.
Scheduled for an October 23 release, From The Dark marks the 78-year-old musician's first solo record in two decades. The project features a guest appearance by Queen guitarist Brian May on the track Death Wake.
This partnership highlights the deep, enduring ties between Britain’s classic rock elite, a demographic that continues to drive significant revenue in the global heritage music market. Iommi described the 79-year-old May as his best friend of nearly six decades, alongside the late Eddie Van Halen.
May contributed to the sixth song after visiting Iommi’s home for an informal session with their guitars. Iommi asked him to record additional tracks, but May refused out of respect for the project's primary focus.
The album will feature vocalist Jørn Lande, bassist Becky Baldwin, and drummer Karl Brazil, with Iommi co-producing alongside Mike Exeter. Returning to the market with this established personnel signals a structured commercial rollout for the veteran musician and his record label.
Iommi unveiled the tracklisting and the lead single, World Alone, at a July 29 launch event in Birmingham alongside comedian Frank Skinner. He noted that the group enjoyed the recording process and were not trying to prove anything to the modern music industry.
The release follows Black Sabbath’s final performance, Back To The Beginning, held at Birmingham’s Villa Park stadium on July 2, 2025. Frontman Ozzy Osbourne, who died of a heart attack 17 days later at age 76, performed seated on a throne due to declining health.
Iommi found the final show difficult to process, as it deviated significantly from the band's traditional public dynamic. He noted that watching Osbourne remain stationary was highly unusual compared to his history of running around the stage and interacting playfully with his bandmates.
The continued solo output of surviving members illustrates the ongoing economic and cultural activity generated by the band's legacy in their later years. Drummer Bill Ward recently confirmed he is working on two new solo albums, defiantly noting he remains a drummer despite now requiring a wheelchair.
