Tony Iommi, the godfather of heavy metal
“Tony Iommi – The Godfather of Heavy Metal“, “Tony Iommi, the godfather of heavy metal”, is the title of the new series dedicated to the Black Sabbath guitarist which traces its history through archive material and interviews conducted today. The episodes, which feature the participation of various guest artists, focus with particular attention on Iommi’s role as one of the architects of the birth of heavy metal. “For years I didn’t want to accept the heavy metal label”, says the musician, initially reluctant to accept the title of “godfather” of the genre: “I kept saying that we were a heavy rock band”.
From the series The first episode, over 22 minutes long, is now available on YouTubewith guests Slash, Brian May of Queen, Rob Halford of Judas Priest, Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine, Yungblud, Scott Ian of Anthrax, John 5, Phil Anselmo of Pantera, Blackie Lawless of WASP and Zakk Wylde, historic guitarist of Ozzy Osbourne. This is how the latter describes the first time he listened to Iommi’s riffs: “I was Catholic when I put the album together. Halfway through the album I became a convinced Satanist. At the end of the album I reconverted to Catholicism to be able to thank God for Black Sabbath”. For his part, Brian May adds: “I don’t know where Tony’s stuff comes from. Tony is inside all of us. He is the godfather of heavy metal“.
Regarding the new video series, which debuts in conjunction with Gibson’s reissue of the first signature pickup in the company’s history, the Tony Iommi humbucker, originally developed in the late 1990s, the Black Sabbath guitarist said:
“I am so grateful to Gibson for this new documentary series and for paying homage to my role in the history of heavy metal. Hearing the words of appreciation from so many incredible artists is truly moving. Thank you all for telling this story with so much heart – and thank you to the fans who have kept it alive. Long may it continue!”
The publication follows the video that Tony Iommi published to wish the public a happy new year and confirm the arrival of his new solo album for 2026.
