It’s been a little over a year since Black Sabbath played their final show. Ozzy’s going out on one more solo run and possible album. Geezer has retired. And Tony Iommi has certainly hinted at numerous possible post original Sabbath line-up projects. Including remastering and re-releasing the Tony Martin era of Black Sabbath. Another project that Iommi has hinted at is a collaboration project with the metal God Rob Halford.
Halford and Iommi are certainly no strangers to each other. Both hailing from the home of heavy metal: Birmingham, England. They both have metal subconsciously infused into their brain chemistry. So it would make perfect sense for the the godfather of metal and the metal god to do a project together. The pair have worked together before. Albeit not a true collaboration. However, Rob Halford did step in Ronnie James Dio’s shoes on Black Sabbath’s ‘Dehumanizer’ tour. And did a damn good job I might add. I wasn’t there, but there’s plenty of bootleg videos on youtube of the short lived Black Sabbath line-up. In fact, there were many rumors that Halford was going to be the new singer in Black Sabbath. Could you imagine hearing ‘Cross Purposes’ with Rob Halford on vox? I think the universe would have exploded.
Halford and Iommi recently met at a photo shoot for Metal Hammer and discussed working together. Iommi made this statement, ‘We’ve talked about it for ages. When the time’s right it would be nice to write a track or two, or whatever. I’d like to do that. It’s nice to work with people you respect and like.’ The question of course is when? Rob Halford is mega busy right now with the release and tour of the masterful ‘Firepower’. Which by the way is the #1 ROCK ALBUM IN AMERICA!! And #5 overall. And he’s basically carrying the flag for the band right now as far as media gigs go. Although Tipton did join him and Richie Faulkner in an interview a few days ago. Iommi is free and expressing a need to get back into songwriting. But I do not see Halford’s schedule opening up anytime soon. But there is some promise. Maybe Iommi could come in and play for Glenn Tipton instead of Sneap. Repay the favor that Halford did back in the 90’s.
Either way, I’d love to see this collaboration happen. A full album with Halford and Iommi. They should just call it that. Like Coverdale/Page. Just Halford/Iommi. I would imagine that the album would sound like darker, heavier version of that. Actually Coverdale/Page should get back together and do an album as well. The then two pairs can tour together. That would truly shake the Earth.
What do you guys think? Would a Halford/Iommi album be great?
Halford filling in for Dio.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT-amY2U7YA
