Iommi is the side-project of Frank Anthony “Tony” Iommi (born February 19, 1948), the Birmingham, England, guitarist best known as a member of Black Sabbath and Heaven & Hell.
Though consecutive vocalists Ozzy Osbourne and Ronnie James Dio may have been the most visible members of Black Sabbath, it was Iommi who wrote nearly all the band’s music and led the band in terms of musical direction.
In the later years of the band, Iommi wanted to break free of the Sabbath name and record his own album. Unable to receive permission from his record label, he recorded the compromise solution, Black Sabbath’s poorly received “Seventh Star featuring Tony Iommi”.
Iommi eventually released his desired solo album, Iommi, featuring Brian May of Queen as co-guitarist and a number of illustrious hard rock and metal guest vocalists, including Ozzy. He then collaborated with bass player Glenn Hughes to release a further two albums under the Iommi name before concentrating full time on the Black Sabbath reunions and (later) Heaven & Hell. |
