Docuseries on ‘Godfather of Heavy Metal’ Streaming Now

One of the world’s leading guitar brands has produced a documentary series on legendary guitarist Tony Iommi.

The first episode of Iommi: The Godfather of Heavy Metal is streaming now for free, and it details the life and career one of the founding members of Black Sabbath.

'Lord of the Riff'

Volume One of the new docuseries examines the influence Iommi’s pioneering of the heavy metal sound had on many major artists.

That includes musicians his age and younger: Brian May, Slash, Zakk Wylde, Yungblud, Scott Ian, John 5, Phil Anselmo, and Blackie Lawless.

Tom Morello and Troy Van Leeuwen also appear in the episode along with fellow metal legends Rob Halford and Justin Broadrick, who have ties to Iommi's hometown of Birmingham, England.

“Tony Iommi remains the undisputed godfather of heavy metal,” Gibson media director Todd Harapiak, who produced the series, said in a press release. “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.

“It’s been truly remarkable to have so many artists unite for this series and hear how Black Sabbath changed the course of their musical lives. The Godfather of Heavy Metal not only celebrates the journey of Lord Iommi and Sabbath but also shines a light on the stories of the countless bands who carried their torch forward.”

Starting a Movement

Iommi grew up in Birmingham near factories that produced the noise that helped inspire him to pioneer some of the heavy metal guitar riffs that defined a new genre.

An accident at one of those factories also affected the way Iommi played, changing music forever.

“I’m very grateful to Gibson for this new documentary series and for honoring my role in the story of heavy metal,” Iommi said in a news release. “Hearing the kind words from so many incredible artists is really humbling.” 

Black Sabbath released its self-titled first album in 1970, and Iommi remained part of the band throughout its existence.

That iconic debut included hits "Black Sabbath," "The Wizard," "Warning" and "N.I.B."

“No matter what regional metal scene or sub genre we explored, every artist we interviewed always pointed the finger back to Tony,” said Mark Agnesi, who is Gibson’s Director of Brand Experience. “He is the Riff Lord!!!!”

The documentary includes archival footage and present-day interviews combined to tell the story of how Sabbath’s horror-inspired imagery and down-tuned guitars created the foundations for generations of heavy music, though they initially rejected the term “heavy metal.”

“Thank you all for telling the story with such heart—and to the fans who’ve kept it alive,” Iommi said. “Long may it continue!”