Volume One features interviews with Tony Iommi and other rock legends, including Brian May, Zakk Wylde, and Tom Morello
The first episode of Tony Iommi: The Godfather of Heavy Metal, the new limited docuseries from Gibson Films, is now streaming on Gibson TV. Tony Iommi: The Godfather of Heavy Metal explores the early life, career beginnings, and seismic influence of Black Sabbath guitarist, riff writer par excellence, and co-founder Tony Iommi.
This first instalment features the man himself discussing his roots in industrial Birmingham, England, his unexpected early musical ambition to be a drummer, the accident that changed his destiny, and the formation of the band that would give birth to heavy metal. Alongside new interviews with Iommi himself, the episode features appearances from Brian May, Rob Halford, Tom Morello, Zakk Wylde, Yungblud, and more, each talking about the legacy of one of the most influential guitarists in music.
The accident that changed music forever
Volume One starts in postwar Birmingham, where Iommi grew up surrounded by factory noise. We learn how Iommi initially wanted to be a drummer, and eventually moved on to the guitar, citing The Shadows as an early influence. But it was an industrial accident—a moment that nearly ended his career before it began—that forced Iommi to rethink everything. Instead of giving up music, he reinvented his playing style and developed the heavy, menacing guitar tone that would become his signature—and the sound of a new genre.
Meeting Ozzy and inventing heavy metal
The episode also delves into the origins of Black Sabbath—from meeting Ozzy Osbourne, Bill Ward, and Geezer Butler and playing blues covers to creating something Iommi described as “scary music.” Through archive footage and present-day interviews, we see how Sabbath’s horror-inspired imagery and downtuned guitars laid the foundations for generations of heavy music and how the band initially rejected the “heavy metal” moniker. “I wouldn’t accept the heavy metal thing for years,” Iommi says. “I kept saying we were a heavy rock band.”
Zakk Wylde discussing his appreciation for Tony Iommi and Black Sabbath in Volume One
Rock icons talk about their appreciation for Black Sabbath and Iommi
Volume One features a star-studded lineup, with comments from guitar legends and Sabbath disciples. Heavy rock icons Rob Halford of Judas Priest, Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine, Zakk Wylde, and Brian May, all talk of their appreciation for Sabbath and Tony Iommi’s incredible riffs. “I don’t know where Tony’s stuff comes from,” says Brian May. “Tony is in everybody. He’s the godfather of heavy metal.”
Tom Morello calls Iommi “the greatest riff writer of all time,” and Zakk Wylde goes even further. “I was Catholic when I put the album on,” he says. “Midway through the album, I became a full-blown Satanist. At the end of the record, I converted back to Catholicism so I could thank God for Black Sabbath.”
Iommi’s guitar playing and riffs have created a sound and an identity for millions of fans and musicians worldwide. Join us in celebrating his incredible influence on music and enjoy the ride while you’re at it.
Watch Volume One of Iommi: The Godfather of Heavy Metal now on Gibson TV, and head over to the Gibson Pickup Shop to find out more about the Tony Iommi Signature Humbucker.
