Black Sabbath’s legendary guitarist, Tony Iommi, surprised fans with a special performance during the Black Sabbath – The Ballet show at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London on October 22nd. The event marked a unique and emotional moment where heavy metal met classical ballet in an unforgettable way.
The ballet, performed by the Birmingham Royal Ballet, was first announced in 2023 as an ambitious project that blended the world of heavy metal with the elegance of dance. Working alongside Birmingham Royal Ballet director Carlos Acosta, Iommi helped shape the production, which features eight of Black Sabbath’s most famous songs, including Paranoid, as well as new compositions inspired by the band’s music and legacy.
During the press night, fans were thrilled when Iommi stepped onto the stage with his guitar and performed the iconic solo from Paranoid as part of the closing number. His presence brought a burst of raw energy to the elegant setting, creating a magical connection between rock and ballet.
Adding to the excitement, another music legend, Brian May of Queen, was in the audience. He later shared clips from the night on Instagram, praising Iommi’s performance. “Wow! The true Father of Heavy Metal making that beautiful axe sing like a bird tonight at Sadler’s Wells,” May wrote. He also called Iommi an “infinitely modest and generous genius,” expressing his admiration for both the performance and the friendship they share.
When the ballet was first announced, Iommi admitted that combining heavy metal and ballet was an unusual idea. “It’s a strange combination, but you’ve got to push the boat out,” he said. His willingness to experiment has helped bring the worlds of music and dance closer together, showing that Black Sabbath’s music can transcend genres and generations.
The Black Sabbath Ballet will continue its London run for a few more shows before heading to Edinburgh Festival Theatre starting October 30th. Fans across the UK will get the chance to experience this one-of-a-kind production that celebrates the legacy of one of the most influential bands in music history.
Sadly, this special moment comes just months after the passing of Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath’s legendary frontman, who died on July 22nd. Iommi has spoken openly about his grief but also expressed gratitude that the band was able to reunite for one final concert, Back to the Beginning, in Birmingham. “I’m really glad we did it, ’cause it was a final thing for everybody,” Iommi said. “If we hadn’t done it, people couldn’t have seen the band and Ozzy. It would’ve been a shame.”
Tony Iommi’s surprise appearance at the Black Sabbath Ballet was more than just a performance—it was a heartfelt tribute to the music, the fans, and the brotherhood that defined Black Sabbath. It showed that even decades later, the spirit of the band still lives on, not only in the world of metal but now, beautifully, in the world of ballet.