BREAKING: Black Sabbath GUITARIST Tony Iommi C…read more.
Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has decided to halt the release of two nearly completed solo albums, revealing that the recent loss of his longtime friend and bandmate Ozzy Osbourne has left him emotionally unprepared to move forward with the projects.
The two albums, which Iommi had been quietly developing under the titles Iron Shadows and Fragments of Forever, were described by close collaborators as some of his most introspective and creatively rich work to date. However, the death of Osbourne earlier this year has left Iommi deeply affected and unwilling to share the music without his partner in rock by his side.
“I’ve tried to keep going,” Iommi said in a public statement, “but every note I play reminds me of him. The idea of putting out this music without Ozzy still out there… it just doesn’t feel right.”
A Void That Music Can’t Fill
The two albums reflected Iommi’s evolution as a composer one built around dark, heavy riffs and the other more emotional and melodic. But in the wake of Ozzy’s passing, the creative energy behind the music has faded.
“I sit with my guitar, and nothing comes,” he admitted. “Even listening back to what we’d recorded… it feels like something is missing. Like the soul is gone.”
Although the pair had gone through turbulent years and lineup changes during Black Sabbath’s long history, their final years were marked by reconciliation, friendship, and creative understanding.
“Ozzy wasn’t just a frontman,” Iommi said. “He was my brother in music. He brought so much color, madness, and heart to what we built.”
The Albums May Never Be Released
According to studio sources, both albums were nearing final mixes, with guest appearances and lyrics that explored Iommi’s journey as a musician and a man. But for now, they’ve been put away indefinitely.
“They’re finished or as close as they’ll ever be,” Iommi stated. “But I can’t listen to them anymore. Maybe someday I’ll revisit them, but not now.”
The guitarist confessed that much of the music had been inspired by his reflections on life, aging, and legacy subjects that became far too personal after Osbourne’s passing.
Fans Show Support and Solidarity
News of the cancellations sparked an outpouring of support across the rock and metal communities. Fans praised Iommi for his vulnerability and offered condolences, reminding him that his decades of music with Ozzy had already changed countless lives.
One longtime fan commented online, “We’ll wait as long as you need, Tony. Take your time. Your health and peace come first.” Another wrote, “Black Sabbath gave us everything. It’s okay to rest now.”
A Lifelong Bond
From the very first Sabbath riffs in Birmingham to sold-out arena shows across the globe, Iommi and Osbourne shaped the very identity of heavy metal. Their personal and professional relationship spanned more than five decades, filled with both fire and forgiveness.
“I still hear his laugh when I’m alone in the studio,” Iommi said. “He was unpredictable, hilarious, impossible to control but he had a massive heart. I miss that madness. I miss him.”
In recent years, as Ozzy’s health declined, Iommi was a regular presence checking in, visiting, and reminiscing about their wild journey.
Will He Return to Music?
Although Iommi hasn’t completely closed the door on releasing music in the future, he’s made it clear that he needs time time to grieve, reflect, and process the end of an era.
“This isn’t retirement,” he clarified. “But right now, I need to heal. I need quiet. I need to remember Ozzy in peace.”
He added, “Music has always been how I cope. But for now, even that feels too loud.”
