Tony Iommi Reflects on Challenging Times Touring with Glenn Hughes
Tony Iommi, the legendary guitarist of Black Sabbath, has always been a driving force behind the band’s dark and heavy sound. Known for crafting some of the most iconic riffs in metal history, Iommi kept the Sabbath name alive through numerous lineup changes, even after the departures of vocal giants like Ozzy Osbourne and Ronnie James Dio. However, his journey with the band wasn’t without its share of challenges, particularly during the time he collaborated with vocalist Glenn Hughes.
Black Sabbath’s legacy is deeply intertwined with Iommi’s creative prowess. Albums like Never Say Die showcased his ability to push boundaries, even when the results weren’t universally acclaimed. After Dio’s exit, the band faced the daunting task of filling the void left by their charismatic frontmen. While bringing in powerhouse vocalists like Ian Gillan of Deep Purple for Born Again seemed like a good idea, the resulting chaos in the studio – fueled by creative differences and rampant drug use – often overshadowed the music itself.
Looking to expand Sabbath’s sound, Iommi later enlisted Glenn Hughes, another veteran of Deep Purple, to collaborate on Seventh Star. Hughes’ soulful, bluesy voice allowed Iommi to explore new musical territory, crafting songs like “No Stranger to Love” that showcased a softer, more melodic side of the band. However, while the record has since become a standout of Sabbath’s non-classic era, the collaboration came with significant hurdles.
Hughes, known as “The Voice of Rock,” struggled with severe substance abuse issues during this period. On tour, his behavior became increasingly erratic, leading to the need for minders to keep him out of trouble. Reflecting on this turbulent time, Iommi admitted that working with Hughes was far from easy. “He’s so lucky that he came out of that,” Iommi said. “When Glenn was in Sabbath, we did try to help him. I booked him into rehab, and he just ran off. But you have to decide for yourself to do it, and eventually, Glenn did. Music is his drug now. But he was difficult, yes.”
Hughes’ time with Black Sabbath was short-lived, as he left the band following a grueling tour that left his voice severely damaged. The departure paved the way for Tony Martin to step in as the new vocalist. Though not as well-known as his predecessors, Martin revitalized the band with his powerful performances on albums like Headless Cross, proving that Sabbath still had much to offer during their often-overlooked middle years.
While Hughes and Iommi only collaborated for a brief time, fans still wonder what could have been if the duo had reunited under better circumstances. Leaked recordings like The DEP Sessions hint at the potential for a blues-metal masterpiece, leaving many to hope for a proper sequel to their work on Seventh Star. Considering Dio’s triumphant return for The Devil You Know, there’s no telling what magic Iommi and Hughes might create if they ever joined Forces again.
