SAD NEWS: Glenn Hughes Opens Up on Making a Black Sabbath Album, Reveals What Tony Iommi ‘Wasn’t Happy About’…
In a recent interview, Glenn Hughes, the former bassist and vocalist for Black Sabbath, shared candid insights into his brief tenure with the legendary band during the mid-1980s. Hughes, known for his work with Deep Purple, was recruited by Tony Iommi for what was initially intended to be a solo project. However, due to external pressures, the project evolved into Black Sabbath’s 1986 album Seventh Star.
### A Solo Project Turned Band Album
According to Hughes, the collaboration began when Iommi planned to create a solo album in 1985. Hughes was the first to record with Iommi at Cherokee Studios in Hollywood, contributing vocals and writing several tracks. As the sessions progressed, Hughes became the sole vocalist on the project. However, at the insistence of Iommi’s manager, Don Arden, and Warner Bros., the album was released under the Black Sabbath name, titled Seventh Star. This decision, Hughes revealed, was not welcomed by Iommi, who was uncomfortable with the album’s association with the band’s established identity.
### Tensions and Challenges During Production
Hughes admitted that being part of Black Sabbath was not something he had initially desired. He viewed his involvement as a favor to Iommi, who was a longtime friend. Despite the challenges, Hughes appreciated the opportunity to work with Iommi, noting that they had a productive collaboration. However, he acknowledged that the album’s style was a departure from the traditional Sabbath sound, incorporating elements that were more aligned with the 1980s hard rock scene.
### Personal Struggles and Departure
The recording sessions coincided with a tumultuous period in Hughes’s personal life, marked by substance abuse issues. He revealed that he had been struggling with addiction during the making of the album, which added to the difficulties of the project. Additionally, just days before the commencement of the Seventh Star tour, Hughes was involved in an altercation with the band’s production manager, resulting in an injury that required him to step back from live performances. This led to Ray Gillen stepping in to complete the tour.
### Reflections on the Experience
Looking back, Hughes expressed pride in the work they accomplished on Seventh Star, despite the challenges. He acknowledged that the album did not align with the classic Black Sabbath sound but appreciated it as a unique entry in the band’s discography. Hughes also emphasized his ongoing friendship with Iommi, stating that they continue to stay in touch and have occasionally discussed the possibility of collaborating again in the future.
In conclusion, Glenn Hughes’s time with Black Sabbath was marked by creative differences, personal struggles, and external pressures. While the collaboration was brief and fraught with challenges, it remains a noteworthy chapter in the history of both artists.
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