Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre with their first three albums Black Sabbath, Paranoid and Master of Reality (1971). Following Osbourne's departure in 1979, the band underwent multiple line-up changes, with Iommi being the only constant member throughout their history.
Black Sabbath in 1970. From left: Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Ozzy Osbourne.
Black Sabbath at Piccadilly Circus, London in 1970 (left to right: Iommi, Ward, Osbourne, Butler)
Black Sabbath original line-up in 1973 (left to right: Osbourne, Butler, Iommi, Ward)
Black Sabbath at Madison Square Garden, New York City in 1977
Anthony Frank Iommi Jr. is an English musician. He co-founded the pioneering heavy metal band Black Sabbath, and was the band's guitarist, leader, primary composer, and sole continuous member for over five decades. He is considered one of the trailblazers and pioneers of heavy metal music, and is responsible for inspiring numerous subgenres of metal, most notably doom metal. Iommi was ranked number 13 on Rolling Stone's 2023 list of the “250 Greatest Guitarists of all Time.
Iommi performing with Heaven & Hell in 2009
Guitar used by Iommi, on display at the Hard Rock Cafe in Tenerife
Iommi in 1970
Star on Birmingham Walk of Stars