Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi explained that while he and Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant have discussed working together, their different musical preferences have so far prevented it, speaking in an interview with Los Angeles Times.
Iommi and Plant have explored the possibility of a joint project more than once. However, both musicians are focused on their own separate ventures and artistic directions.
“I did say to [Robert] one time about doing something together, but again, he got his own thing, and I did [too],” Iommi said. “Who knows? We’ve talked about it a couple of times, but he’s into a certain flavor of music that he likes to play, which is different to what I play, really.”
Despite these differences, Iommi remains receptive to opportunities if circumstances align. “I don’t discard anything that way,” he continued. “If something comes up that’s a good idea and somebody’s into it, then I’m going to have a go.”
Iommi made these comments during his conversation with Katherine Turman about his work in music.
Iommi has kept busy with his own musical ventures in 2026. He released his latest solo album, “From The Dark”, on October 23, 2026 through BMG, with vocalist Jørn Lande, bassist Becky Baldwin and drummer Karl Brazil. This was his first solo music in over 20 years, following 2005’s Fused.
Plant has also been pursuing his own direction. He released his album Saving Grace on September 26, 2025 through Nonesuch Records, featuring a new band with vocalist Suzi Dian, drummer Oli Jefferson, guitarist Tony Kelsey, banjo and string player Matt Worley and cellist Barney Morse-Brown. In October 2026, Plant released an EP titled “All That Glitters…” and announced fall 2026 tour dates with Saving Grace and Suzi Dian.
The two musicians have a shared history in the Birmingham music scene. Both Iommi and Plant came from the same city and knew each other from their early days. In 2025, Iommi personally invited Plant to perform at the Black Sabbath farewell concert in Birmingham, an initiative called the “Summer of Sabbath” that celebrated Sabbath’s Birmingham roots. Plant politely declined the invitation. The farewell show marked the last time Iommi and original Sabbath members Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward performed together.
Collaboration between the two has faced obstacles in the past. In 2020, Iommi stated that he had tried to work on a project with Plant and others but found it difficult because of management issues. Their different musical styles continue to make a partnership unlikely, even as Iommi remains open to the idea if the circumstances and creative vision align.
