The musician also talks about his solo album
In an interview with Loudwire, Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi spoke about the two vocalists who have been part of the band, Ozzy Osbourne and Ronnie James Dio.
“When we made 'Heaven And Hell' [1980 album], it was a time when Ozzy had left the band and we needed someone new. And then we auditioned Ronnie. I had never met Ronnie before that. I had seen him at a party, but that was it.”.
So when Ronnie came to our house – we had a house at the time and we all lived together – and God, when he started singing… Wow… I couldn’t believe that voice was coming out of that small body. The voice was so good.”
He concludes by saying that Ozzy had lost interest in the band and they were looking for something different to change the direction they were taking, and Ronnie was what they needed.
“When he arrived at work I sat down with him and we wrote. He composed the lyrics and I the riffs – we were a great team. (…) I mean, Ozzy is incredible, I don’t want to belittle him, he’s brilliant at what he does but Ronnie was a different kind of singer.
We didn't want another Ozzy (...) We wanted something different and Ronnie was that.”
Iommi also talked about his solo album and his appearances with Dave Grohl, Kid Rock, and Matt Cameron, as well as some collaborations that didn't happen, such as the one with rapper Eminem.
“I was told that Eminem wanted to be on a track and I was like, 'Eminem? Who is he?' That's what happens when you get old (laughs)”
Check out the full interview (in English) below:
