Becky Baldwin has spent the better part of a year sitting on the biggest secret of her career. Now that Tony Iommi has announced "From The Dark" — his first solo album in 21 years — the MERCYFUL FATE bassist has finally been able to talk about it.
"It's been tough keeping this quiet, but I'm sure that now most of you have now seen this news," the 35-year-old wrote on social media, alongside a photo of herself with the BLACK SABBATH guitarist. "I've been working on an album with the creator of heavy metal, the riffmaster himself, Mr. Tony Iommi."
The picture she posted was taken at the end of her very first session — a day she describes with disarming honesty. "I still couldn't believe that this great honour could be real, and I was so nervous recording in front of Tony on his song with no preparation, that I was sure they'd look for another bass player once I left the room," Baldwin wrote. "I asked, 'Could we get a quick photo together, in case I never see you again?' Tony just laughed and said, 'You'll be back here in two weeks for the next session!' But he granted my request. And I still didn't really believe him."
He was right. "Fast forward eight months and here we are," she continued. "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 working with producer Mike Exeter. I've heard the final mixes… I have to believe it's all real now."
Iommi, for his part, has been unambiguous about why he hired her. Speaking to Rolling Stone, he explained that Baldwin was chosen because she plays in the style of Geezer Butler, his original first choice for the record. "Becky lives in Birmingham, and she's a really good player. And she's certainly a fan of Geezer, and she plays in Geezer's style. And that's what I wanted."
Baldwin is joined on "From The Dark" by Norwegian vocalist Jorn Lande, who co-wrote every track, and drummer Karl Brazil. She was named MERCYFUL FATE's permanent bassist in January 2024, having first filled in for Joey Vera on the Danish legends' 2022 tour dates. A graduate of BIMM Bristol with a degree in professional musicianship, she has averaged around 100 shows a year since 2012 and now lives in Birmingham — the birthplace of heavy metal itself.
She closed her statement with a nod to the man who started it all: "Thank you Tony, the band and team for your amazing work and keeping this story of heavy metal greatness going, with humble authenticity, devotion and respect."
"From The Dark" arrives October 23 via BMG.