Limited series features in-depth interviews with Iommi and other rock icons including Brian May, Slash, and Zakk Wylde
Gibson Films will release a career-spanning docuseries on Black Sabbath icon Tony Iommi this fall, which will feature detailed interviews with the legendary guitarist himself as well as other respected rock music figures. The limited series, titled “Iommi: The Godfather of Heavy Metal,” will be available to watch worldwide, only on Gibson TV.
The series offers a deep dive into Iommi’s musical history and the influence his guitar work has had on countless musicians across the ages, and the heavy metal genre. It features contributions from Brian May, Slash, Zakk Wylde, Dave Mustaine, Kirk Hammett, Steve Vai, Scott Ian, Rex Brown, and more. Watch the trailer here:
“Tony Iommi remains the undisputed godfather of heavy metal,” says Todd Harapiak, Media Director at Gibson and Producer for the new series. “Through his iconic riffs and uncompromising vision, he gave birth to a sound that was rooted in darkness and became the foundation for generations of musicians. ‘The Godfather of Heavy Metal’ not only celebrates the story of Lord Iommi and Black Sabbath but also shines a light on the stories of the countless bands who carried their torch forward.”
Earlier this week at the Gibson Garage London, fans gathered at a special event to celebrate Iommi and the recent launch of the Gibson Tony Iommi Signature Humbucker ™. Returning to the market for the first time since the 1990s, the pickup honors Iommi’s revered guitar tone, and is powered by an exclusive configuration of ceramic and Alnico 2 magnets. It’s available now from the Gibson Pickup Shop.
Iommi attended the Gibson Garage event for an intimate interview, moderated by Liz Barnes of BBC Radio 2, and a brief performance. Attendees were also treated to the first look at the trailer for “Iommi: The Godfather of Heavy Metal.”
Tony Iommi at the Gibson Garage London with Liz Barnes of BBC Radio 2 (image © Gibson/Bas van Geldere)
“When we were recording the first album, on the song ‘Wicked World,’ I had been using a Strat™, and the pickup went out,” said Iommi during the Gibson Garage Q&A. “I grabbed the Gibson SG™, and liked the sound of it, and from that day on, that first album, I have always used a Gibson SG.
“We first made these pickups 28 years ago, to solve the interference from the volume we were using and the turbo booster, and they have continuously evolved since to be better. I hope my pickup will help the guitar players of today get my sound; it is the Sabbath sound off of these pickups, and with the right combination with the amp, they are fantastic.”
Head over to the Gibson Pickup Shop to find out more about the Tony Iommi Signature Humbucker, and view more videos from Gibson TV.
