Imagine this: the godfather of heavy metal, Tony Iommi, strumming his guitar alongside a 40-piece orchestra and 50 dancers, all bringing Black Sabbath’s iconic sound to life in a ballet. Sounds surreal, right? But that’s exactly what happened at the 2025 opening night of Black Sabbath - The Ballet at Sadler’s Wells in London. And this is the part most people miss: it wasn’t just a performance—it was a fusion of two worlds that, on paper, couldn’t be more different. Yet, it worked. Beautifully.
The evening was nothing short of magical, with Iommi making a surprise appearance to play the guitar solo for the closing song, Paranoid. Even Queen’s Brian May, who was in the audience, couldn’t contain his awe, calling Iommi a “genius” and praising the production as “the icing on the cake.” But here’s where it gets controversial: could this unconventional blend of heavy metal and ballet truly bridge the gap between fans of both genres? Or is it just a one-time spectacle?
The journey to this moment began in 2023, when Black Sabbath - The Ballet first premiered to sold-out shows and standing ovations. Directed by Carlos Acosta of the Birmingham Royal Ballet, the production reimagined Sabbath’s music through classical orchestration and contemporary dance. Iommi himself was initially skeptical but quickly became a believer after meeting Acosta. “His enthusiasm was incredible,” Iommi recalled. “He had this vision, and it gave me confidence.”
The ballet features eight of Black Sabbath’s most iconic tracks, including War Pigs, Iron Man, and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, all reimagined by composer Christopher Austin. Austin worked closely with Iommi to honor the band’s legacy while adding a new dimension to their music. “It’s been an exhilarating journey,” Austin said, “and Tony’s trust in us made it possible.”
But what makes this production truly groundbreaking is its ability to attract both heavy metal fans and ballet enthusiasts. Acosta revealed that 60% of tickets for the U.K. shows were bought by Sabbath fans, many of whom had never seen a ballet before. Sharon Osbourne, wife and manager of Ozzy Osbourne, summed it up perfectly: “It’s so left field, so unexpected—but brilliant.”
Yet, the emotional core of this story lies in Iommi’s reflection on his late bandmate, Ozzy Osbourne. “It’s a shame Ozzy didn’t get to see this,” Iommi said. “It’s our lives and music.” This sentiment adds a layer of poignancy to the production, reminding us of the enduring power of art to transcend time and genre.
As the 2025 tour continues, with new audio interviews and a revised sound design, the question remains: Can Black Sabbath - The Ballet inspire heavy metal fans to embrace ballet, and vice versa? Iommi hopes so. “It’s a strange combination,” he admitted, “but you’ve got to push the boat out. It’s all about creativity.”
So, here’s the thought-provoking question for you: Is this fusion a one-off experiment, or the start of a new era where music and dance collide in unexpected ways? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
