Tony Iommi Brings Female Bassist Into His New Band — She Thought She'd Already Lost the Gig

Tony Iommi's highly anticipated solo album, From the Dark, is shaping up to be one of the year's biggest hard rock releases. The record marks the Black Sabbath legend's first solo album in 21 years and features a powerful lineup including Jorn Lande on vocals, Karl Brazil on drums, and Becky Baldwin on bass. Fans have already gotten their first taste of the project through the thunderous lead single, "World Alone," while Queen guitarist Brian May also makes a special guest appearance on the album.

Before the lineup was finalized, however, Iommi hoped to reunite with longtime Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler. The guitarist revealed that Butler was his first choice, but scheduling conflicts prevented it from happening.

"I wanted him, but he couldn't do it," Iommi explained. "He's doing his own album, I think... he couldn't come to England. I wanted to get it done and finally get it out."

Looking for someone who could capture that familiar Sabbath feel, Iommi turned to fellow Birmingham musician Becky Baldwin.

"Becky lives in Birmingham, she's a really good player, and she plays in Geezer's style," he said. "I thought, 'Let's give it a try.' And she was good."

Ironically, while Iommi immediately saw her potential, Baldwin left her first recording session convinced she had blown her opportunity.

Reflecting on that day, she admitted:

"I was sure they'd look for another bass player once I left the room. I asked, 'Could we get a quick photo together, in case I never see you again?'"

Instead, Iommi reassured her with a laugh.

"Tony just laughed and said, 'You'll be back here in two weeks for the next session!'"

He was right. Baldwin returned to complete the remaining bass tracks for From the Dark, later revealing that the nerves eventually disappeared.

"Fast forward eight months and here we are. The nerves faded, and I did get to record the rest of the bass tracks for Tony's incredible album. I am so proud to be a part of this, and we're so thrilled with the results. I have to believe it's all real now."