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Tony Iommi Named Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarist by Gibson

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Tony Iommi Named Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarist by Gibson -

Black Sabbath axeman, Tony Iommi has been named as the greatest heavy metal guitarist of all time by Gibson

The Birmingham born guitar legend tops a list which also includes Metallica duo Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield along with the late great Randy Rhoads.

However Rhoads, who was killed in a plane crash in 1956, isn't the only ex-Ozzy guitarist to appear in Gisbon's 'Top 10', with Black Label Society lynchpin, Zakk Wylde taking the number 7 slot. 

Gibson say:

"Of all rock'n'roll's many styles metal is the most brutal. No matter the sub-genre, metal is held together by a reliance on loud riffing guitars and, of course, an inspiring lead guitarist.

"Tony's dark, distinct guitar textures in Black Sabbath helped spearhead the heavy metal movement. Iron Man and Paranoid boast some of the most memorable riffs of all time, with crushingly heavy choruses. His playing is immortalised through the generations of bands that have followed."

Gibson's Greatest heavy metal guitarists

1. Tony Iommi

2. Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield

3. Randy Rhoads

4. John Petrucci

5. Dimebag Darrell

6. Eddie Van Halen

7. Zakk Wylde

8. Adam Jones

9. Dave Murray and Adrian Smith

10. George Lynch

 

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