Brian May Joins Tony Iommi’s New Solo Album — The 50-Year Friendship Behind Their Unexpected Collaboration
After more than five decades of friendship, two legendary guitarists are sharing the spotlight once again.
Queen guitarist Brian May is set to appear on Tony Iommi’s forthcoming solo album From the Dark, marking another chapter in the long musical relationship between the Black Sabbath legend and his longtime friend.
The collaboration came together in a surprisingly casual way. Iommi revealed that when May visited his home, the two naturally ended up doing what they have done for years — picking up guitars and playing together.
“I said, ‘Oh, bring your guitar when you come,’” Iommi recalled. “He brought his guitar, and I said, ‘You’re going to be playing on this track here.’”
That track is “Death Wake,” one of the songs on Iommi’s upcoming album.
A friendship that goes back more than 50 years
For Iommi, the collaboration is about much more than bringing another famous guitarist onto a record.
He has described May as his best friend, with their relationship stretching back to the early 1970s.
The two first crossed paths when they were working in separate studios. According to Iommi, they immediately connected and their friendship continued for decades.
Their shared history has already included several musical collaborations. May contributed to “When Death Calls,” from Black Sabbath’s 1989 album Headless Cross, and later played on Iommi’s 2000 solo track “Goodbye Lament.”
Now, more than two decades later, the pair are teaming up once again.
Brian May didn’t want to take over Iommi’s album
Interestingly, May was apparently reluctant to appear on too many songs.
Iommi explained that he encouraged his friend to play on additional tracks, but May wanted the project to remain firmly focused on Iommi.
“I said to him, ‘Play on some other tracks,’” Iommi recalled. But May reportedly responded: “Oh no, it’s your album.”
That decision reflects the dynamic between the two musicians, who have remained close despite their careers taking them in different directions.
From guitars at home to a new album
Their friendship has continued outside the recording studio as well.
Iommi recently received a particularly meaningful gift from May — a left-handed version of May’s famous Red Special guitar for Christmas.
The instrument was another reminder of the unusual bond shared by two musicians whose careers helped define the sound of rock music. Now that friendship will once again be heard through their guitars.
Tony Iommi returns with a new solo record
From the Dark marks Iommi’s first solo album in more than 20 years. The project features bassist Becky Baldwin, drummer Karl Brazil and vocalist Jørn Lande, alongside guest appearances including May.
The album was previewed with the powerful track “World Alone,” giving fans an early taste of what Iommi has been working on.
With Brian May appearing on “Death Wake,” the record also brings together two of rock’s most recognizable guitar voices for another memorable collaboration.
From the Dark is scheduled for release on October 23, 2026, via BMG Records.