BLACK SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi recently revealed a surprise songwriting collab with the legendary Eddie Van Halen, for which he was left un-credited
As it turns out, Eddie Van Halen helped craft the wicked riff for “Evil Eye” on BLACK SABBATH‘s 1994 album, “Cross Purposes“. Sadly, Eddie‘s record label, Warner Bros., wouldn’t let him get credit, but hey, the shredding speaks for itself!
Iommi said (transcribed by Guitar.com): “[Eddie Van Halen] had a day off, and I said, ‘We’re rehearsing, do you want to come? “He said, ‘Oh yeah,’ and that’s what he’d done, really.”
“I picked him up in Birmingham, at the hotel, and then we drove via a music shop, and I said, ‘Do you want to pick a guitar up’, and we did – one of his Eddie Van Halen ones, they had got one in. Then we went down to the rehearsal.”
“I said, ‘We’re working on this song,’” he continues, “and we started playing it. He started playing a solo.
“We played a couple of old Sabbath songs first, and I said, ‘You’re playing that wrong’ [laughs]. ’Cause they used to play Sabbath stuff, before they [VAN HALEN] were known. It was “Into The Void” or something, I can’t remember.
“But anyway, that’s the sort of relationship we had. We stayed friends until he passed away; I spoke to him just before.”
Eddie Van Halen, a guitar god who redefined rock music with his innovation and energy, passed away in 2020 at 65. Alongside his brother Alex, he co-founded iconic rock band that was VAN HALEN, along with bassist Michael Anthony and singer David Lee Roth. Eddie‘s dazzling and unique technique, with its signature two-handed tapping, influenced generations of guitarists. His battles with tongue cancer, likely caused by years of smoking, ultimately led to his death.
This juicy tidbit came out during a video interview promoting the new BLACK SABBATH box set, “Anno Domini“. It’s a treasure trove for fans of the Tony Martin era of the mighty SABBATH, featuring remastered versions of four albums (including a remixed Forbidden by Iommi himself) and chronicling Martin‘s two stints as frontman (1987-1990 and 1992-1997).
This comprehensive set is set to contain newly remastered editions of the albums “Headless Cross” (1989), “Tyr” (1990), and “Cross Purposes” (1994). Additionally, fans can anticipate a fresh version of “Forbidden” (1995), specially remixed by guitarist Tony Iommi for this collection.
Excitingly, the LP version of “Anno Domini” will mark the vinyl debut of several of these albums, while the CD edition boasts three exclusive bonus tracks: “Cloak & Dagger,” as well as the previously Japan-only releases “What’s The Use” and “Loser Gets It All.” The package will be complemented by a booklet containing an array of photos, artwork, and liner notes curated by Hugh Gilmour. Moreover, the set will include a “Headless Cross” poster and a replica concert book from the “Headless Cross” tour.
“Anno Domini” delves into BLACK SABBATH‘s journey during the period from 1989 to 1995, during which the band underwent numerous lineup changes, marking two decades into their pioneering career as metal icons. Notably, this era saw a lineup featuring the formidable riffmaster and founding member Tony Iommi, the legendary drummer Cozy Powell (known for his work with JEFF BECK, RAINBOW, and WHITESNAKE), vocalist Tony Martin, and the seasoned BLACK SABBATH collaborator and keyboardist Geoff Nicholls (also known for his work with QUARTZ and BANDY LEGS).
Fun fact: Martin got shuffled out twice – once for Ronnie James Dio‘s return in 1990 and again for the classic BLACK SABBATH reunion with Ozzy Osbourne at the helm in 1998.