BREAKING: Black Sabbath Guitarist TONY LOMMI A…See More
Black Sabbath Legend Tony Iommi Admits to ‘Strangeful Feeling’ After Seeing Iconic Band For First Time in Decades
Heavy metal legend Tony Iommi, the legendary guitarist and Black Sabbath co-founder, has said that he felt a “strange feeling” after seeing the legendary band from the sidelines recently—without taking to the stage himself.
The 76-year-old rock star made the confession in an interview last week, while looking back at the band’s lasting reputation and how time has modified his outlook regarding their past performances and global reach. Iommi, who has been nicknamed the “Godfather of Heavy Metal,” confessed that watching Black Sabbath videos or memorabilia nowadays creates an ironic mix of pride, nostalgia, and sadness.
“It feels strange,” he said. “When I watch old footage of us playing, or even just see a poster or an album cover, it feels like we’re not doing that anymore. That was my life for decades. And now it’s finished. It feels like watching a bit of myself frozen in time.”
Black Sabbath officially hung up their boots in 2017 with their farewell tour, The End, ending decades of groundbreaking music that shaped a genre. The band, with Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, and a series of drummers throughout the years, is typically credited with inventing heavy metal with their heavy, riff-orientated sound and ominous lyrics.
Despite the emotional weight of losing touring and performing, Iommi remains busy in the musical arena. He continues to write and plays from time to time with other artists. In 2022, he returned with a surprise solo single, and in 2023, he hinted at a new project, though he’s stated Black Sabbath as a touring outfit is done.
Iommi also described the difficulty of adjusting: “You spend your entire life constructing something, and then one day it stops. It takes some time to adjust. I’ve still got the enthusiasm, still play guitar every day, but things are different now. I suppose that is the reason that it feels strange—knowing that it won’t come back, at least not in the same way.”
However, he appreciated the experience, going on to say that the band’s legacy is secure with newer generations who continue to discover and enjoy their music.
“When a kid is wearing a Sabbath t-shirt or playing one of our riffs, that’s when I know it was all worthwhile,” Iommi said. “The music survives—even if we’re not on that stage anymore.”
