Published: July 14, 2010
A rare look into friendship, grief, and the uncertain future of one of metal’s founding pillars
Paul Cole of Sunday Mercury recently interviewed legendary guitarist Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath and Heaven & Hell, offering remarkable insight into his relationship with the late Ronnie James Dio, the future of Sabbath, and the complex bond he shares with Ozzy Osbourne.
Meeting Ronnie
“I first met Ronnie at a party in Los Angeles and we hit it off immediately,” Iommi recalls. “He was one of the good guys. Down-to-earth. When things were falling apart with Ozzy, I called him and invited him to rehearse. He had just left Rainbow and was free. Call it fate if you like. I played a couple of riffs, and he instantly started singing. When we finished, I knew he would be the new vocalist of Black Sabbath.”
Touring with Dio was not easy at first. Fans would chant “Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy,” but Dio’s charisma eventually won them over. “He had common sense. He preferred a pint of beer to champagne, and after shows he would talk to fans, sign autographs, take pictures. He was genuine.”
Dio’s Impact
“If Ronnie had not arrived at that moment, I think Black Sabbath would have ended forever,” Iommi admits. “He gave us something new. A unique voice, and real professionalism.”
The First Signs
The first warning came when Dio complained about stomach pain. At first it seemed minor, but things deteriorated. “Some nights he really suffered on stage, but he insisted on finishing every show. For Ronnie, the show must go on.”
After the tour, Iommi sought stem cell treatment for pain in his left hand. Dio planned a solo tour but decided to see a doctor instead. Tests revealed stomach cancer.
“It was unbelievable. I still cannot believe it. I spoke to him a week before he died, and he was optimistic. The chemotherapy seemed to be working. The tumor had shrunk and he was cleared to tour again. He was excited. We were rehearsing new songs. It felt like a new beginning.”
The Sudden Downfall
In early May, doctors discovered the cancer had spread to his liver. “Things went downhill very quickly. We canceled the entire European tour hoping he would return. He was a fighter. But it was not meant to be.”
Bassist Geezer Butler spent many hours at the hospital. “He was there until the end. I had to return to the UK, but I stayed in contact by email and phone. Then the call came. Geezer told me he did not think Ronnie had long left. I tried to get the first flight, but I was too late. I was not fast enough to say goodbye.”
Dio passed away on May 16. Iommi later flew for the funeral on May 30. “We were all devastated. Ronnie was unique, and he will never be replaced.”
What Comes Next?
“I would like to continue and keep playing,” Iommi says. “But I do not know in what form or with what singer. Geezer is returning to the UK this week, and we will rehearse for the tribute show. After that, maybe we will talk about the future.”
The Shadow of Sabbath
Rumors of a reunion persist. “I spoke to Ozzy after the funeral,” Iommi explains. “He said he would call me when he came to England for his tour. I have not heard from him yet. Our relationship is complicated, but we always keep in touch no matter what. Would I like to play with Ozzy again? Who knows? Strange things happen between us. There is always some kind of shit, but when we talk, it is as if nothing ever happened.”
“After the tribute, we will sit down and decide exactly what we want to do.”
