This week, Gibson hosted a very special event to celebrate Tony Iommi, the legendary guitarist of Black Sabbath, and launch the return of his Tony Iommi Signature Humbucker™ out now from the Gibson Pickup Shop. Music fans gathered at the Gibson Garage London for an intimate interview with Tony Iommi—moderated by Liz Barnes (BBC Radio 2)—which was followed by a brief performance, and a screening of the “first look” trailer for “Iommi: The Godfather of Heavy Metal,” a new limited docuseries from Gibson Films, which will stream worldwide this fall on Gibson TV.
In the late 90s, Gibson teamed up with Tony to create their very first signature pickup. Now, that original Gibson signature humbucker has made its long-awaited return. The Gibson Tony Iommi Signature Humbucker honours Tony’s legendary guitar work, powerful sound, and groundbreaking albums, which laid the foundation for heavy metal and inspired countless other genres.
The Tony Iommi Humbucker features an exclusive configuration of powerful ceramic and Alnico 2 magnets, along with unique windings, which give it the incredible tone and sustain that have helped make Tony’s work with Black Sabbath instantly recognizable. Thunderous tone and incredible sustain, with crystal clarity, even in full distortion, the Tony Iommi Humbucker is fully wax-potted and epoxied for absolute protection against unwanted feedback. The 4-conductor wiring allows for series, parallel, and split coil operation. Explore the Tony Iommi Signature Humbucker HERE, and the entire Gibson Pickup Shop Collection HERE.
On collaborating with Gibson, his love of the SG™, and the creation of the Tony Iommi Humbucker, Tony says:
“When we were recording the first album, on the song ‘Wicked World,’ I had been using a Strat™, and the pickup went out. 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.” Tony adds, “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 and amp, they are fantastic.”
Parents hated it. Their kids loved it. After the Summer of Love began to fade, an ominous new sound emerged from the smokestacks of Birmingham, England. Tony Iommi was the architect of that sound—the man responsible for the genre-defining riffs of Black Sabbath and a sound that would take over the world. More than just a new style of music, heavy metal became a way of life—connecting millions through a spirit of rebellion, passion, and a relentless sound that refuses to fade.
Coming this autumn on Gibson TV, “Iommi: The Godfather of Heavy Metal,” the new limited series from Gibson Films, will take a career-spanning deep dive into Tony’s music history and his massive influence on countless other luminaries of heavy music.The star-studded, limited documentary series will feature in-depth interviews with Tony himself, as well as Brian May, Slash, Zakk Wylde, Dave Mustaine, Kirk Hammett, Steve Vai, Scott Ian, Rex Brown, and many more.
“Tony Iommi remains the undisputed godfather of heavy metal. 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,” says Todd Harapiak, Media Director at Gibson and Producer for the new series. “‘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.”
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