Tony Iommi the Brummie (Birmingham UK) guitarist who didn't let the small annoyance of having two fingers on his left hand chopped off stop him changing the course of music and becoming the father of Heavy Metal!
Tony co-founded the pioneering heavy metal band Black Sabbath, and was the band's guitarist, leader, main songwriter for over five decades.
Black Sabbath
We all love Ozzy Osbourne but he would not have been successful without this guy. Tony is considered one of the trailblazers responsible for inspiring numerous subgenres of metal, most notably doom metal.
Known for his heavy riffs, dark melodies, and innovative guitar work, Iommi is often credited as the inventor of the heavy metal guitar sound. Hits like "Paranoid," "Iron Man," and "War Pigs" have solidified his status as one of the most influential guitarists in the history of metal. His devil's notes riff on the Black Sabath self-titled album is a classic.
Despite losing the tips of two fingers in an industrial accident, Iommi developed a unique playing style and went on to become a true guitar icon.
Tony Iommi ratings
Songs: Paranoid, War Pigs, Black Sabbath
Gear: Gibson SG Marshall Amplifier