🎸🦇 The Godfather of Heavy Metal might have said goodbye to touring with BLACK SABBATH, but don’t go packing away those devil horns just yet, butt! Legendary guitarist TONY IOMMI has revealed that he’s interested in performing songs from his brand-new solo album, From The Dark, live. And while another enormous world tour is firmly off the table, the 78-year-old riff master has admitted he wouldn’t mind getting back onstage for a handful of special concerts!
With From The Dark already storming into the UK Albums Chart at Number 11, featuring powerhouse vocalist Jørn Lande, bassist Becky Baldwin, drummer Karl Brazil and a special appearance from QUEEN legend Brian May, there could be another extraordinary chapter waiting for the man who helped invent heavy metal!
Well, bloody hell, Riff Report crew!
Just when you thought Tony Iommi might finally put his feet up, make himself a decent cuppa and enjoy a peaceful retirement after more than six decades of creating some of the heaviest guitar riffs known to mankind, the BLACK SABBATH legend has gone and given us something rather exciting to think about.
TONY IOMMI COULD BE HEADING BACK TO THE STAGE!
Now, before you start emptying your savings account, booking hotels and preparing to fight the Ticketmaster queue from hell, there’s something important to understand.
No concerts have officially been announced.
But in a brand-new interview with Guitar World, published on 3 November 2026, the Birmingham-born guitarist revealed that he remains interested in performing live.
And more importantly, he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of taking his latest solo material onto the stage.
The comments come following the release of From The Dark, Iommi’s first solo studio album in 21 years, which arrived through BMG on 23 October 2026.
The album has been attracting considerable attention from rock fans and music publications, and it has already delivered an impressive chart achievement.
But while BLACK SABBATH’s enormous world-touring days are finished, Iommi clearly hasn’t lost his enthusiasm for plugging in a guitar and making an absolutely ridiculous amount of noise.
And let’s be honest, mun.
The world is always a better place when Tony Iommi is standing in front of a wall of amplifiers!
🎸 Tony Iommi Reveals He’s Interested In Performing Live Again!
The exciting comments emerged during an extensive interview with respected music journalist Joel McIver for Guitar World.
The conversation explored Iommi’s new album, his legendary career, his friendships with Ozzy Osbourne and Brian May, and what the future might hold.
Naturally, one particularly important question came up.
Would Tony consider performing the new album live?
And his answer was encouraging.
Iommi revealed that although nothing has been arranged, he’d be interested in playing a small number of concerts.
He told Guitar World:
“We haven’t planned anything yet, but I wouldn’t mind doing a couple of them again.”
Now, that’s the sort of sentence that makes heavy metal fans sit up and pay attention!
The guitarist went on to explain that the days of lengthy worldwide tours ended with BLACK SABBATH, but occasional performances remain an interesting possibility.
And that’s an important distinction.
We’re not talking about another enormous international touring schedule involving dozens of countries, hundreds of crew members and enough equipment trucks to fill the M4.
Instead, Iommi appears interested in something considerably more manageable.
Perhaps a few special performances.
Maybe the occasional one-off concert.
Or even selected festival appearances.
All possibilities, but nothing confirmed.
And honestly?
That sounds like a rather sensible approach.
At 78, Iommi has already spent an extraordinary amount of his life travelling around the world.
He’s performed in enormous stadiums.
Headlined legendary festivals.
Recorded albums that helped change music history.
And created guitar riffs that have been copied by approximately every metal guitarist to pick up an instrument since 1970.
If the man wants to play a handful of special shows rather than spend another year living out of a suitcase, fair play to him!
😂 Tony Iommi Jokes Nobody Would Come To See Him!
Here’s where the interview takes a particularly entertaining turn.
During the conversation, McIver suggested that Iommi would be an obvious choice to headline major music festivals.
And how did the guitarist respond?
With the sort of wonderfully dry humour that makes him such an entertaining character.
“Yeah, but nobody would come!”
Tony.
Butt.
Have you forgotten who you are?!
This is the man responsible for some of the most recognisable guitar riffs in heavy metal history.
The bloke whose music helped shape generations of musicians.
The guitarist who stood alongside Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward at the birth of BLACK SABBATH.
And he’s joking that nobody would turn up to see him!
Come on, mun!
If Tony Iommi announced a one-off concert in Birmingham tomorrow, there would probably be thousands of metalheads trying to buy tickets before he’d even finished making the announcement.
And imagine the atmosphere.
A packed venue.
The lights going down.
A familiar Gibson SG appearing through the smoke.
And then that unmistakable low, heavy guitar tone filling the room.
I’d imagine the roof would need inspecting afterwards!
But beneath the joke, Iommi made another important point.
He still enjoys performing.
And that’s the part of the conversation that offers the most encouragement.
There are no confirmed dates, but the desire to play live clearly hasn’t disappeared.
💿 ‘From The Dark’ – Tony Iommi’s First Solo Album In 21 Years!
The renewed interest in live performances follows the arrival of one of the most anticipated heavy metal releases of 2026.
From The Dark was released on Friday 23 October 2026 through BMG.
It marks Iommi’s first solo studio album since Fused, his 2005 collaboration with former DEEP PURPLE and BLACK SABBATH musician Glenn Hughes.
That’s a gap of 21 years.
Twenty-one bloody years!
To put that into perspective, plenty of younger metal fans discovering Iommi’s new album weren’t even born when Fusedarrived.
But while the music industry has changed dramatically during those two decades, one thing remains wonderfully familiar.
Tony Iommi still knows how to write an absolutely devastating guitar riff.
The new album contains eight main tracks combining crushing guitars, dark atmospheres, melodic passages and powerful vocals.
The music draws on the distinctive style that made Iommi famous while embracing modern production techniques.
And rather than attempting to recreate BLACK SABBATH note for note, it gives the guitarist another opportunity to explore his own musical ideas.
According to Iommi, the record developed gradually, without the pressures of a strict recording deadline.
He worked with longtime collaborator Mike Exeter, often spending a couple of days developing ideas before returning to them later.
That relaxed approach allowed the songs to evolve naturally.
And the result is a substantial new chapter in his solo discography.
🏆 ‘From The Dark’ Storms Into The UK Albums Chart At Number 11!
Now here’s something worth celebrating.
From The Dark entered the Official UK Albums Chart at Number 11!
That’s an impressive result for a musician who’s been making music professionally for more than six decades.
The album also reached Number 2 on the UK’s Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart.
And according to Planet Rock, the release marks Iommi’s first solo appearance in the UK Top 40.
Not bad for somebody who could quite easily have retired years ago!
The album has also attracted positive attention from rock and metal publications.
Kerrang! welcomed the return of Iommi’s distinctive songwriting, while Guitar World highlighted the album’s combination of powerful riffs, atmospheric arrangements and dynamic performances.
But perhaps what’s most interesting is that Iommi doesn’t appear to be approaching the record as somebody desperately trying to prove he still belongs in the industry.
He’s making music because he enjoys it.
Because creating riffs is what he’s always done.
And because, even after all these years, he still gets excited by the possibilities of a guitar and an amplifier.
That’s proper rock ‘n’ roll, butt!
🤘 Meet The Incredible Musicians Behind ‘From The Dark’!
One of the biggest attractions of Iommi’s new album is the extraordinary collection of musicians involved.
Rather than filling the record with dozens of unrelated guest appearances, the guitarist assembled a consistent group of collaborators.
And what a line-up it is!
🎸 Tony Iommi – Guitar
The Godfather of Heavy Metal himself.
A founding member of BLACK SABBATH and one of the most influential guitarists in music history.
His distinctive riffs, dark melodies and revolutionary approach to guitar tone remain central to the album.
🎤 Jørn Lande – Lead Vocals
Norwegian powerhouse Jørn Lande provides the lead vocals throughout the record.
Known for his work with MASTERPLAN, ARK, AVANTASIA and his own solo projects, Lande possesses an extraordinary vocal range.
His powerful, dramatic singing makes him a natural fit for Iommi’s heavy guitar arrangements.
Iommi had previously worked with Lande during performances associated with the musical legacy of Ronnie James Dio.
That connection helped convince him that the Norwegian vocalist would be suitable for his new material.
And for fans who love the grand, melodic side of classic heavy metal, Lande’s involvement is particularly exciting.
🎸 Becky Baldwin – Bass Guitar
British bassist Becky Baldwin, known for her work with MERCYFUL FATE, provides the album’s low-end power.
And here’s something rather interesting.
Iommi has explained that Baldwin’s admiration for Geezer Butler influenced the way she approached the recording.
That makes perfect sense.
Geezer’s bass playing has always been an essential part of the BLACK SABBATH sound.
And having a bassist who understands that style gives the music a particularly strong foundation.
Baldwin has also established herself as one of Britain’s respected modern metal bassists.
Her involvement in the project represents another significant achievement in an already impressive career.
🥁 Karl Brazil – Drums
Drummer Karl Brazil brings considerable professional experience to the recordings.
Known for his work with ROBBIE WILLIAMS and other major artists, Brazil is a musician capable of adapting to different musical styles.
His combination of power, precision and musical flexibility provides a strong foundation for Iommi’s riffs.
🎛️ Mike Exeter – Producer And Collaborator
Longtime Iommi collaborator Mike Exeter co-produced the album.
The two have worked together for decades, developing a close creative relationship.
Exeter’s understanding of Iommi’s sound has been an important part of the recording process.
The album also received mixing contributions from respected producer and engineer Andy Sneap.
And then there’s one more musician worth talking about.
A certain guitarist from a little band called QUEEN.
👑 Brian May Joins Tony Iommi For ‘Death Wake’!
Now then, butt.
Here’s a collaboration that should make just about every classic rock fan grin from ear to ear.
QUEEN guitarist Brian May makes a special guest appearance on ‘Death Wake’!
Yes.
Brian May and Tony Iommi.
Two of the most influential guitarists in British rock history.
Together on one recording.
That’s a proper meeting of rock royalty!
The two musicians have been close friends for decades and have regularly spoken about their mutual admiration.
Their friendship stretches back to the early years of their respective careers.
And despite their enormous musical achievements, they clearly still enjoy making music together.
According to Iommi’s latest Guitar World interview, May’s participation developed from their familiar habit of getting together and experimenting with guitars.
The QUEEN legend also had a Red Special guitar made for Iommi, which the BLACK SABBATH guitarist used during the album sessions.
Now imagine that.
Tony Iommi playing a Brian May Red Special.
And Brian May contributing to a Tony Iommi heavy metal album.
That’s the sort of thing that would have made teenage rock fans during the 1970s completely lose their minds.
And, let’s be fair, it still does!
🎸 Could We Ever Get A Tony Iommi And Brian May Album?
Interestingly, the conversation also touched on the possibility of the two guitarists recording an entire album together.
It’s an idea that has been discussed between them over the years.
Iommi admitted that he would enjoy the prospect, although nothing concrete has developed.
For now, the collaboration remains an idea rather than an announced project.
But what an idea!
Imagine Brian May’s layered guitar harmonies combined with Tony Iommi’s dark, crushing riffs.
QUEEN’s melodic ambition meeting BLACK SABBATH’s unmistakable heaviness.
The possibilities are enormous.
And if those two ever decide to record a complete album together, we’d certainly be first in the queue to hear it!
🎶 ‘From The Dark’ – Full Album Tracklist
For anyone who hasn’t yet explored the record, here’s the complete eight-track running order.TrackSong1Over The Violent Sun2Black Times3World Alone4Beyond The Dead5Stormwatcher6Death Wake7Return Of The Arbalist8Legacy
The deluxe CD also includes two bonus recordings:
9. Scent Of Dark
10. Deified (Extended)
The album explores a range of heavy musical approaches, from pounding mid-tempo riffs to more atmospheric arrangements.
World Alone was selected as the lead single, introducing listeners to the album’s powerful new sound.
Stormwatcher has also received attention through Planet Rock, while Over The Violent Sun was accompanied by an official lyric video when the album arrived.
The closing track, Legacy, is an especially substantial composition, running for approximately seven minutes.
And if Iommi eventually decides to perform the album live, there’s certainly plenty of material to work with.
🔥 Imagine ‘World Alone’ Live!
The lead single provides an obvious starting point for any potential performances.
With its driving riffs, powerful vocals and energetic rhythm section, World Alone could translate naturally onto the stage.
Then there’s the darker material.
Black Times could bring some of that familiar Iommi heaviness.
Stormwatcher offers a more expansive atmosphere.
And Death Wake would be a particularly intriguing prospect, especially given Brian May’s recorded contribution.
Of course, there’s absolutely no guarantee that May would appear at any potential live performances.
And no proposed setlist has been announced.
But it’s certainly entertaining to imagine what a Tony Iommi solo concert might sound like.
🦇 BLACK SABBATH’s Final Concert Was An Emotional Farewell
The possibility of future solo performances becomes even more significant when you remember the events of 5 July 2025.
That was the day BLACK SABBATH returned to Birmingham for the extraordinary Back To The Beginning concert at Villa Park.
For one unforgettable evening, the original line-up reunited.
Ozzy Osbourne. Tony Iommi. Geezer Butler. Bill Ward.
Four musicians who helped transform the sound of rock music.
Back together in the city where their extraordinary journey began.
The event featured an enormous collection of rock and metal stars paying tribute to the band.
Among the performers were METALLICA, GUNS N’ ROSES, SLAYER, TOOL, PANTERA, GOJIRA, ALICE IN CHAINS, HALESTORM and many others.
It was an extraordinary celebration of heavy metal history.
And for Ozzy Osbourne, it was also his final live performance.
Tragically, the legendary singer died on 22 July 2025, just 17 days after the concert.
His passing marked the end of an era.
And for Iommi, the experience was deeply emotional.
❤️ Tony Iommi Reflects On Ozzy’s Final Performance
During his recent interviews, Iommi has spoken about the difficulty of seeing Ozzy perform while dealing with serious health challenges.
For decades, he had been accustomed to watching the singer running around the stage.
Pulling faces.
Interacting with his bandmates.
And creating the unpredictable atmosphere that made BLACK SABBATH concerts so memorable.
At Villa Park, however, Ozzy performed while seated on a specially designed throne.
It was a very different experience for the guitarist.
Iommi has explained that he initially had reservations about another BLACK SABBATH farewell performance after the conclusion of their The End tour in 2017.
But the charitable purpose of Back To The Beginning helped convince him to participate.
And looking back, he’s grateful that the original band had the opportunity to perform together one final time.
The concert is now an essential part of heavy metal history.
But it also represents the conclusion of BLACK SABBATH as a touring and performing band.
That chapter has closed.
Tony Iommi’s musical journey, however, clearly hasn’t.
🎸 Why Tony Iommi Remains One Of The Most Important Guitarists In Music History
There’s a reason Tony Iommi is regularly described as the Godfather of Heavy Metal.
It’s not simply because he played guitar in BLACK SABBATH.
It’s because his musical ideas helped establish the foundation of an entire genre.
When BLACK SABBATH emerged from Birmingham during the late 1960s, their sound was radically different from much of the music surrounding them.
The guitars were darker.
The riffs were heavier.
The atmosphere was ominous.
And the arrangements often relied on enormous, repeating guitar patterns rather than conventional pop structures.
Songs such as Black Sabbath, Iron Man, Paranoid, War Pigs and Children Of The Grave introduced ideas that would influence generations of musicians.
Without Iommi’s guitar playing, the development of heavy metal might have looked very different.
And the story becomes even more remarkable when you consider the physical challenges he faced early in his career.
🤘 The Industrial Accident That Changed Heavy Metal
In 1965, while working in a sheet-metal factory, Iommi suffered a serious industrial accident that damaged the tips of two fingers on his right hand.
As a left-handed guitarist, those were fingers he needed for fretting notes.
The injury threatened his ability to continue playing.
But rather than abandon music, he developed homemade prosthetic fingertips and adapted his playing technique.
He also experimented with lighter strings and lower guitar tunings.
Those adaptations helped shape the heavy, distinctive sound that would become synonymous with BLACK SABBATH.
It’s one of the most extraordinary stories in rock history.
A musician suffers an injury that could have ended his career.
He adapts.
Develops a different approach.
And helps create the foundations of heavy metal.
Not bad for a Birmingham lad who refused to give up, is it, butt?
And nearly six decades later, he’s still creating new riffs.
🏟️ Could Tony Iommi Headline A Festival In 2027?
Now here’s where things get particularly interesting.
When the idea of festival performances came up during the Guitar World interview, Iommi didn’t completely dismiss the possibility.
He joked about whether anybody would attend but confirmed that he still enjoys playing live.
That naturally raises the question.
Could a major festival tempt Tony Iommi back onto the stage?
There’s no shortage of possibilities.
Download Festival.
Bloodstock Open Air.
Wacken Open Air.
Hellfest.
Or perhaps a special one-off concert closer to his Birmingham roots.
But let’s be absolutely clear.
None of these festivals or venues has been announced as hosting a Tony Iommi solo performance.
They’re simply examples of the kinds of events where fans would undoubtedly be excited to see him.
And given his enormous influence, a carefully arranged solo performance could become a major attraction.
🐉 What About A Special Show In Wales?
Now then, imagine this.
Tony Iommi.
A Welsh mountain.
Thousands of rock fans.
And those enormous BLACK SABBATH-inspired guitar riffs echoing across the Valleys.
STEELHOUSE FESTIVAL, ANYONE?!
Come on, mun!
The thought of Tony Iommi performing at the rock festival on top of a Welsh mountain is enough to make us grin.
Picture the scene.
The sun is setting over the Welsh hills.
The crowd is packed.
The amplifiers begin humming.
And then Iommi steps forward and unleashes one of those unmistakable guitar riffs.
You’d probably hear the bloody thing halfway to Cardiff!
Of course, this is purely wishful thinking from us here at The Riff Report.
There has been no announcement connecting Iommi with Steelhouse Festival or any other Welsh venue.
But if we’re dreaming about special one-off concerts, why not dream big?
And let’s face it.
A Tony Iommi performance in Wales would be a pretty extraordinary occasion.
🎤 Would Jørn Lande Join Tony Iommi Onstage?
Another interesting question concerns the musicians who would perform alongside Iommi if live concerts eventually take place.
The studio line-up is already impressive.
But recording an album and preparing a live show are two different challenges.
Songs have to be rehearsed.
Musicians need to coordinate their schedules.
Technical production has to be arranged.
And somebody has to work out how to reproduce those enormous guitar tones in a live setting.
The obvious possibility would be to feature musicians associated with the record.
Jørn Lande on vocals.
Becky Baldwin on bass.
Karl Brazil behind the drums.
And Iommi himself providing those legendary guitar riffs.
But again, no live line-up has been officially confirmed.
The musicians involved in the album have not been announced as a touring band.
In fact, Lande recently acknowledged that any potential live performances would ultimately depend on Iommi’s own decisions.
For now, the emphasis remains on the album itself.
And that’s understandable.
The record has only recently been released.
There’s plenty of time for discussions about possible concerts.
The important thing is that Iommi hasn’t ruled them out.
💿 Where Can You Buy Or Stream ‘From The Dark’?
The album is available now through major streaming platforms and physical music retailers.
For collectors, BMG has released several editions.
These include standard digital formats, CD packages, a deluxe media-book edition and double-vinyl releases.
The vinyl editions have been produced at 45rpm across two LPs, with special packaging featuring Iommi’s signature cross.
There are also several coloured-vinyl variants.
And you know what that means, don’t you, butt?
Some poor collector is about to explain to their partner why they’ve purchased four different versions of the same album.
“But they’re different colours!”
“They’re the same songs!”
“YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND!”
We’ve all been there! 😂
🎸 Official Links
From The Dark – Official Album And Streaming Links
Tony Iommi – Official Merchandise Store
Read Tony Iommi’s Guitar World Interview
And if you’ve not yet listened to World Alone, it’s certainly worth checking out the official video.
Just make sure the speakers are turned up.
This is Tony bloody Iommi we’re talking about.
Subtle background music isn’t exactly what he’s famous for!
❤️ From The End Of BLACK SABBATH To A New Beginning
Perhaps the most fascinating part of this entire story is what it says about life after BLACK SABBATH.
For more than five decades, Tony Iommi’s name has been inseparable from the band he helped create.
BLACK SABBATH weren’t simply his most famous project.
They were an enormous part of his identity.
The music.
The friendships.
The disagreements.
The extraordinary success.
The endless touring.
And the unforgettable moments shared with Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward and the many other musicians who became part of the band’s history.
But after the final Back To The Beginning performance in July 2025, that chapter came to an end.
And for a musician who’s spent practically his entire adult life creating heavy music, that must have represented an enormous change.
Yet instead of disappearing into retirement, Iommi has continued working.
He’s released new music.
Collaborated with other artists.
Explored different creative projects.
And remained connected to the music community.
His comments about potential concerts suggest that performing still has a place in his future, even if that future looks different from the enormous world tours of the past.
And perhaps that’s the most encouraging thing of all.
He doesn’t need to prove anything.
He doesn’t need to chase another massive commercial success.
He doesn’t need to spend years travelling across continents.
He can make music because he enjoys it.
And if the right opportunity comes along, he can choose whether to step onto a stage again.
That’s a pretty wonderful position for a musician to be in, mun.
🔥 The Riff Report Verdict – Tony Iommi Isn’t Finished Making Noise!
Well then, butt.
What can we say?
TONY BLOODY IOMMI!
The man who helped create heavy metal.
The guitarist responsible for some of the greatest riffs ever recorded.
The Birmingham legend whose influence stretches across generations.
And now, at 78, he’s still releasing new music and considering the possibility of performing live.
That’s absolutely magnificent.
Of course, we shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves.
No concerts have been confirmed.
There are no ticket dates.
No venues.
No announced live band.
And definitely no enormous world tour on the horizon.
But the fact that Iommi is interested in performing again is enough to get heavy metal fans excited.
Especially following the emotional farewell to BLACK SABBATH and the loss of Ozzy Osbourne.
The band’s touring story may have reached its conclusion, but Iommi’s creative journey continues.
And with From The Dark already reaching Number 11 in the UK charts, there’s clearly still enormous enthusiasm for his music.
Personally, we’d love to see him perform a few special shows.
Nothing excessive.
Nothing involving months of exhausting travel.
Just a handful of carefully chosen concerts where fans could experience those legendary guitar tones one more time.
Perhaps some songs from From The Dark.
Maybe a few surprises.
And possibly the occasional nod to the extraordinary musical history that made him famous.
Imagine hearing World Alone performed live with Jørn Lande delivering those enormous vocals.
Or watching Iommi and Brian May sharing a stage for Death Wake.
That would be something special.
But whether any of those possibilities ever become reality remains to be seen.
For now, we’re simply delighted that Tony Iommi is still doing what he loves.
Creating music.
Experimenting with guitars.
Writing riffs.
And reminding the world why his name belongs among the most important musicians in rock history.
You’ve already given us the foundations of heavy metal, Tony. Anything else is a bloody bonus!
So keep writing.
Keep experimenting.
And if you fancy getting back onstage for a few shows, we’ll certainly be cheering you on.
And if one of those shows happens to be somewhere in Wales?
Well, butt…
We’ll have the kettle on, the amps warmed up and the devil horns ready! 🐉🤘🔥
💬 Have Your Say, Riff Report Crew!
Right then, you wonderful bunch of metalheads!
Would YOU love to see Tony Iommi perform songs from From The Dark live?
Would you travel across Britain to see one of his special concerts?
And if he eventually announces a handful of performances, where would you love to see him play?
Birmingham?
London?
Download Festival?
Bloodstock?
Or somewhere a little closer to home here in Cymru?
And here’s another question.
If Tony Iommi performed a solo concert, which BLACK SABBATH classic would you absolutely love him to include?
Iron Man?
War Pigs?
Children Of The Grave?
Heaven And Hell?
Or would you prefer a set entirely dedicated to his solo material?
We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Get involved in the comments and let us know!
Because when the man who helped create heavy metal says he’d be interested in performing again, it’s worth getting a little bit excited.
The Sabbath chapter might be finished, but the riffs are far from dead!
Long live Tony Iommi. Long live heavy metal. And keep those horns held high, butt! 🐉🎸🤘
