Tonight, in the industrial heartland of Birmingham, England, a monumental chapter in music history reaches its poignant conclusion. Black Sabbath, the undisputed architects of heavy metal, are poised to deliver their final, earth-shattering performance. This event transcends a mere concert; it is a pilgrimage, a ceremonial closing of the circle for a band that fundamentally reshaped the sonic landscape of rock. At its dark, thundering heart stands Tony Iommi, the quiet, unassuming genius whose guitar forged a genre from the crucible of adversity.
This evening’s “Back To The Beginning” concert at Villa Park is more than just a farewell; it represents a historic reunion. For the first time in two decades, the original line up—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—will stand together on stage. This monumental occasion is further underscored by an all-star supporting cast, featuring titans like Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, and Guns N’ Roses, all of whom owe an undeniable debt to Black Sabbath’s pioneering spirit. The atmosphere in Birmingham will undoubtedly be electric, a potent mixture of reverence, celebration, and a touch of melancholy as an unparalleled era draws to a close. The significance of this and previous performances in Black Sabbath’s legacy cannot be overstated, as each has marked a defining moment in the evolution of heavy music.
The deliberate choice of the concert title, “Back To The Beginning,” coupled with its location in Birmingham, the very city that served as the band’s crucible, transforms this event into a symbolic pilgrimage, a sacred return to their genesis. The reunion of the original lineup, a significant feat given past internal conflicts and Bill Ward’s previous reluctance to participate in farewell tours, signifies a complete and unified statement, a final act of solidarity from the founding members. Tony Iommi discussed the emotional significance of the Birmingham farewell gig and reflected on the band’s memories of their hometown during an interview on BBC Midlands Today. The band members’ talk about their memories and the emotional significance of the farewell show has resonated deeply with fans, highlighting the nostalgia and weight of the moment. Furthermore, the presence of their direct musical descendants, such as Metallica and Slayer, on the same stage creates a powerful visual and auditory narrative of influence and succession. These bands have consistently acknowledged Black Sabbath as their primary inspiration, making their participation a ceremonial passing of the torch from the originators to those who carried their flame. This confluence of factors elevates the event beyond a simple concert, cementing Black Sabbath’s place in music history as not just pioneers, but true progenitors whose impact spans multiple generations and continues to shape the very fabric of heavy music.
Ozzy Osbourne, due to health issues, is expected to sing four songs during the farewell concert, making each of his appearances especially significant for both the band and their fans.
Introduction: Forging a Legend in Steel and Shadow
In the annals of music history, few names resonate with the same weight and authority as Tony Iommi. As the founding member and guitarist of Black Sabbath, Iommi stands as the architect of a sound that would forever alter the course of rock and heavy metal. His journey, forged in the industrial shadows of Birmingham, England, is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of musical excellence. Over the course of decades, Iommi’s playing style—marked by thunderous riffs, haunting melodies, and a mastery of guitar strings—has inspired generations of musicians and shaped the very DNA of heavy music. From the earliest days of Sabbath to his final bow, Iommi’s choices in equipment, from the gauge of his strings to the power of his amplifiers, have been instrumental in crafting a sound that is both unmistakable and enduring. As we explore the life and legacy of this legendary guitarist, we’ll uncover how his early days, his approach to musical instruments, and his unwavering commitment to his craft have left an indelible mark on the world, ensuring that the legacy of Black Sabbath and Tony Iommi will echo through the ages.
Early Life and the Crucible of Adversity
Tony Iommi’s story begins in the working-class neighborhoods of Birmingham, England—a city defined by its steel mills and relentless industrial rhythm. Born on February 19, 1948, Iommi was drawn to music from an early age, captivated by the raw power of the guitar. But fate intervened when, at just 17, he suffered a life-altering accident at a local sheet metal factory, losing the tips of his middle and ring fingers on his right hand. For most, such an injury would have spelled the end of any musical ambition. Yet, for Iommi, it became the crucible in which his unique playing style was forged. Refusing to surrender his passion, he ingeniously crafted homemade thimbles from a Fairy Liquid bottle and leather, allowing him to continue playing the guitar despite the pain and limitations. This adaptation not only shaped the way he approached the instrument but also influenced his choice of guitar strings, as he sought out lighter gauges to accommodate his new technique. The result was a sound that was both powerful and distinct, laying the foundation for Black Sabbath’s revolutionary music. Iommi’s resilience in the face of adversity became a beacon for countless musicians, with bands like Metallica and others across the world citing his influence. His journey from the factory floors of Birmingham to the global stage is a testament to the transformative power of music, innovation, and sheer determination.
The Genesis of Doom: Accident, Adaptation, and Innovation
The remarkable narrative of Tony Iommi’s musical destiny is inextricably linked to a cruel twist of fate. At the tender age of 17, on what was tragically his very last day working in a sheet metal factory, he suffered a horrific industrial accident. The tips of the middle and ring fingers of his right hand – his fretboard hand, as he is left-handed – were severed. This devastating event, imbued with a terrible irony, became the unexpected catalyst for a revolutionary sound that would echo across the globe.
The immediate aftermath of the accident was, understandably, devastating. Doctors delivered the crushing news: he would “never play again”. This declaration could have extinguished his musical dreams entirely, but a factory foreman, with remarkable foresight, intervened. He played Iommi a recording of the legendary gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. Reinhardt, despite a severe fire injury that had paralyzed two fingers on his fretting hand, continued to play with astonishing virtuosity. This revelation ignited a fierce determination in Iommi, inspiring him to find a way forward, refusing to let his injury dictate his future. It is important to note that while Reinhardt’s fingers were paralyzed, not lost, the profound inspiration for overcoming physical limitation remained a powerful motivator for Iommi.
Refusing to accept defeat, Iommi embarked on a remarkable journey of self-reinvention. Rather than attempting the arduous task of learning to play right-handed, a path he deemed too difficult, he fashioned ingenious homemade prosthetics. Using an old Fairy Liquid bottle, he melted it down with a hot soldering iron to create thimbles that extended and protected his injured fingertips. These were then covered with sections cut from a leather jacket, allowing him to fret strings, albeit without the crucial tactile feedback that most guitarists rely upon. The process was tough, requiring immense perseverance and rest between attempts, but Iommi’s resilience pushed him forward.
This period of profound adversity served as the very forge of heavy metal, demonstrating how necessity can indeed be the mother of invention. Iommi’s accident resulted in a severe physical disability, and he was explicitly told his playing days were over. His unyielding refusal to quit led to direct, practical adaptations: the crafting of DIY prosthetics, the active search for lighter string gauges, and the subsequent decision to downtune his guitar. These adaptations, driven by the immediate need for pain management and playability, directly influenced his unique playing style, which heavily emphasized powerful, rhythmic riffs and power chords. Iommi himself later acknowledged that the accident “helped me invent a new kind of music” and a “different style of playing”. This causal chain is the very bedrock of Iommi’s legend and, arguably, the genesis of heavy metal itself. The constraints imposed by his injury were not insurmountable obstacles but rather unforeseen design parameters that compelled him to innovate in ways no one else had conceived. The “new kind of music” and the “heavier, darker sound” that emerged were not merely arbitrary stylistic choices but direct, practical solutions to his profound physical challenges, fundamentally altering the landscape of an entire art form.
The birth of Black Sabbath’s signature sound was intrinsically linked to these adaptations. The thimbles made it incredibly painful to bend strings, a fundamental technique for guitarists. This forced Iommi to seek out the lightest-gauge guitar strings available to reduce tension. However, such strings were virtually non-existent at the time, leading him to initially resort to using banjo strings and even bass strings until Picato Strings, a respected manufacturer, began producing light-gauge guitar strings around 1970-71. Iommi’s search for suitable strings was supported by both innovative suppliers and manufacturers, who responded to his needs with custom solutions. The importance of brand and company reputation became clear as he relied on trusted names to deliver the right feel and sound. This seemingly minor detail had a profound impact on his tone and playability. To further alleviate the tension and pain, Iommi began downtuning his guitar. While Black Sabbath’s seminal first two albums,
Black Sabbath and Paranoid, were recorded in standard E tuning, he started experimenting with lower tunings during the Paranoid tour and adopted C# standard (C# F# B E G# C#) for subsequent records like Master of Reality. This lower pitch, born of necessity, became a cornerstone of the band’s “deep and heavy sound,” contributing significantly to the ominous atmosphere that defined them. The band’s adaptation to new tunings and rehearsal routines reflected a clear direction, as they disciplined themselves to achieve a unique and powerful sound.
The injury dictated a fundamental shift in his playing technique. Iommi predominantly used his injured fingers for fretting chords rather than intricate single-note solos. This, combined with the relaxed tension of downtuned, light strings, naturally led him to focus on powerful, simplified power chords and open string picking. This adaptation made his style more rhythmic, less reliant on complex fingerwork, and ultimately, more impactful. While he remained capable of faster solos, he often preferred not to, as it caused pain. In addition to heaviness, Iommi also sought a bright, clear tone that would cut through the mix, further shaping the band’s distinctive sound.
This highlights a fascinating and profound ripple effect: what began as a highly individualized, almost private battle against a debilitating injury inadvertently became a universal language and a structural blueprint for an entirely new musical genre. Iommi’s adaptations – the use of very light strings, the adoption of downtuning, and the focus on power chords and rhythmic playing – were initially highly personal responses to his specific injury and pain. Yet, these very idiosyncratic solutions became foundational, genre-defining elements of heavy metal. Bands across various heavy subgenres, including Metallica, Iron Maiden, Slayer, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, and even punk acts like Black Flag, explicitly cited Black Sabbath and Iommi as major influences, adopting and building upon these sonic characteristics. The heavy, ominous, and often dissonant sound that resonated so deeply with a generation grappling with the disillusionment and anxieties of the 1970s was, in large part, an accidental byproduct of one man’s sheer will to continue playing. This demonstrates the often-unforeseen ways in which deeply personal struggles and their creative solutions can transcend their origins to shape vast cultural movements and define the aesthetic parameters for countless artists who follow.
For guitarists, string maintenance is crucial—many professionals change their strings every week or after a certain number of hours of playing to maintain optimal sound quality and prevent deterioration. Iommi’s experience with string wear and the need for frequent change further influenced his approach. His innovations and custom gear required significant investment; Iommi personally paid and put his own money into developing prototypes and modifications to achieve his signature sound. The support he received from the music community, manufacturers, and suppliers was instrumental in his journey, helping to establish the Black Sabbath brand as a lasting force in music history.
The Architect of Darkness: Tone, Riffs, and the Devil’s Interval
Black Sabbath’s music was defined by its “dark themes and heavy riffs,” a sonic foundation that laid the groundwork for countless bands to come. This wasn’t merely loud; it was a carefully constructed atmosphere of dread and power. Listeners can hear Iommi’s distinctive guitar tone in classic Black Sabbath songs, which have become iconic in the history of heavy metal.
Counter-intuitively, a significant component of Iommi’s early, crushing tone was an old-school treble booster, most famously the Dallas Rangemaster. In an era before high-gain amplifiers were commonplace, this pedal was crucial. It didn’t just boost treble; it added considerable gain and “tilted the EQ” of the upper mids and high frequencies, pushing his cranked Laney valve amps (often 100w stacks with six 4×12 cabs) into a saturated, yet articulate, distortion. This created a distinctive, cutting attack often described as a “chipping ice sound,” providing the necessary aggression and sustain without resorting to flat-out fuzz. Iommi’s own treble booster was later modified for a more full-range boost.
Iommi’s visual and sonic identity is inseparable from his primary instrument: the Gibson SG. Whether equipped with humbuckers or single-coil P90s (as on his classic 1964 SG Special, used for much of the early material), the SG, with its mahogany body and dark, warm tones, became the voice of doom. His long-standing, almost exclusive relationship with Laney amplifiers has been equally crucial, providing the immense volume and foundational crunch for the Sabbath sound. While some early recordings might have seen a Strat make a brief appearance, the SG and Laney combination remains the quintessential Iommi setup.
Perhaps Iommi’s most profound, albeit intuitively discovered, theoretical contribution was his pioneering and pervasive use of the tritone. Known historically as “Diabolus in musica” or the “devil’s interval” (a flatted fifth, e.g., a G power chord with a Db instead of a D), this dissonant, unsettling interval became the signature of Black Sabbath’s foreboding atmosphere. Despite being untrained in music theory, Iommi stumbled upon this sound after listening to Gustav Holst’s classical masterpiece, “Mars, The Bringer of War” from
The Planets. He was captivated by its tension and disturbing quality. He then adapted it to guitar, slowing it down to a crawl, adding a trill and vibrato, and making it the chilling backbone of the band’s self-titled debut track, “Black Sabbath”. While the tritone had been used sparingly in classical music for centuries and in a few rock outliers like Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze,” Iommi’s consistent and central application of it in Black Sabbath’s music cemented its place as a fundamental harmonic device in heavy metal, becoming a staple of the genre. Many memorable events happened during the band’s career, with performances of these songs leaving a lasting impact on fans and shaping the legacy of heavy metal.
This reveals a sophisticated, albeit largely intuitive, compositional approach that transcends mere volume. Iommi wasn’t simply making loud noise; he was consciously crafting a profound and unsettling mood. The tritone, with its historical association with evil, became his primary harmonic tool for achieving this. The connection to classical music demonstrates a deliberate artistic intent to evoke specific emotions and dramatic arcs within his riffs, elevating his work beyond simple blues-rock. This fusion—the intellectual ambition of classical drama married to the raw, visceral, and grim reality of his industrial hometown—forged a unique sound that was both musically innovative in its effect and deeply resonant with the anxieties and disillusionment of the early 1970s.
Iommi’s approach to riff-writing was less about technical flash and more about raw, visceral impact. Iommi explained that he wanted to create “something dramatic and big,” drawing inspiration from the dynamics and tension found in classical music. He wanted to evoke the same unsettling feeling as watching a horror film. Many of his most iconic riffs, like those in the songs “Iron Man,” were conceived spontaneously during rehearsals, born from a feeling “deep in his bones” rather than pre-planned exercises. His philosophy was simple: if it felt right, if it came from the “soul,” it was good. The legendary “Iron Man” riff, for instance, emerged from Bill Ward’s pounding drum beat. Iommi then conjured an “immense groan” by bending his open low E string behind the nut, instantly visualizing a monstrous figure, and the riff flowed from there.
In an era that was increasingly celebrating guitar heroes defined by their speed, technical dexterity, and flashy solos, Iommi carved out a radically different, yet equally impactful, path. He candidly admitted that he was “not a technical player by any means” and couldn’t execute “whizzy, fast playing”. His finger injury further imposed limitations on traditional guitar virtuosity. Despite these perceived limitations, he emphasized that his riffs had to come from the “soul” and be felt “deep in his bones”. His physical limitations, far from being a hindrance, combined with his deeply felt artistic philosophy, forced a redefinition of what it meant to be a guitar hero. He proved unequivocally that profound musical impact and genre-defining innovation could emerge from raw emotion, dramatic composition, and the sheer, crushing weight of a riff, rather than solely from technical acrobatics. This paradigm shift influenced countless guitarists, demonstrating that emotional resonance, atmospheric power, and a unique sonic identity could be far more influential and enduring than mere speed or technicality. It is a powerful testament to the idea that true artistry lies in authentic expression, not just flawless execution.
Tools of the Unholy Trade: Iommi’s Equipment and Gear
The unmistakable sound of Tony Iommi is as much a product of his creative vision as it is of his carefully chosen equipment. Central to his arsenal is the iconic Gibson SG, a guitar that has become synonymous with his image and the dark, heavy tones of Black Sabbath. But Iommi’s quest for the perfect sound didn’t stop at the guitar itself. He experimented with a variety of guitar strings, including brands like Ernie Ball and D’Addario, always searching for the right balance of flexibility and durability to suit his playing style. His innovative use of lighter gauge strings—and even bass guitar strings at times—helped him achieve the deep, resonant sound that defined Sabbath’s music. Amplifiers and effects pedals also played a crucial role, with Iommi favoring powerful stacks and custom modifications to create his signature distortion and sustain. His approach to equipment was always driven by a desire to push boundaries, whether playing alongside Ozzy Osbourne or inspiring new generations of musicians. The choices Iommi made in his gear not only shaped his own sound but also set a standard for bands and guitarists around the world, proving that the right combination of strings, instruments, and creativity can create music that stands the test of time.
The Blueprint for Heavy: Iommi’s Enduring Influence on Guitarists
Black Sabbath is unequivocally regarded as the “birth of heavy metal” and “the generally accepted starting point” where this distinct musical genre truly separated itself from traditional rock and roll. Their self-titled debut album, though initially met with poor critical reception, retrospectively “altered the landscape of popular music” and stands as a foundational “blueprint for a genre”. Over time, the Black Sabbath brand became synonymous with heavy metal, representing not just a band but an enduring identity and reputation that shaped the genre’s image and influence. Tony Iommi, through his unique adaptations and compositional choices, literally “wrote the rules for heavy-metal guitar playing (and broke a few standard guitar rules along the way)”. His characteristic low tunings, the pervasive use of the flatted fifth (tritone), and his reliance on root-plus-five power chords became the essential building blocks, the very DNA, of heavy metal guitar.
The list of bands directly influenced by Black Sabbath and Tony Iommi is a roll call of heavy music’s elite. “Many of the most hard-hitting and uncompromising bands who came after them,” including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest, have openly claimed to have been “raised on the music of Black Sabbath”. Iommi’s influence, however, wasn’t confined to traditional heavy metal. His pioneering sound paved the way for the “sludge sound” of bands like The Melvins and TAD, and his “slow, doom-esque riffs” are clearly audible in the work of grunge giants such as Alice in Chains and Soundgarden. Even punk bands like Bad Brains and Black Flag (who intentionally named their band as an homage) and alternative icons like Nirvana have cited Black Sabbath as a major influence, demonstrating the incredible breadth of his impact across diverse heavy music subgenres. The support Iommi and Black Sabbath received from the music community further cemented their legacy, as countless artists and fans rallied behind their innovative sound.
The depth of Iommi’s influence is perhaps best exemplified by personal anecdotes. Scott Ian of thrash legends Anthrax, for instance, was so captivated by Iommi’s sound that he actually tried to learn to play left-handed, convinced that Iommi’s left-handedness was “part of why he sounded so evil”. Ian also famously identifies the bridge riff in Black Sabbath’s “Into the Void,” with Bill Ward’s double-kick drumming, as the “origin of thrash metal,” a direct lineage from Iommi’s creativity.
This reveals the truly organic, almost accidental nature of Black Sabbath’s ascent to foundational status. Iommi’s groundbreaking style was initially born from deeply personal necessity and intuitive artistic expression. The band’s debut album, despite its eventual iconic status, received generally negative reviews upon its initial release, though it found commercial success. Despite not setting out to become genre progenitors, Iommi himself recognizes their massive, transformative impact on music. The sheer breadth of bands influenced by Iommi’s innovations spans traditional heavy metal to alternative and grunge, and even punk. Their unique sound, initially dismissed by many critics, resonated deeply with a burgeoning counter-culture that was seeking something darker, heavier, and more authentic than the prevailing optimistic and psychedelic rock of the late 1960s. The remarkable diversity of bands influenced by Iommi’s innovations demonstrates that his impact transcended rigid genre boundaries. The importance of gigs in establishing Black Sabbath’s reputation cannot be overstated—relentless live performances helped build their devoted following and solidified their place in music history. It proved that a truly groundbreaking sound, even if born from personal struggle and initially misunderstood by the establishment, can become a universal language that fundamentally shapes the future of music across unexpected subgenres and artistic movements. This is the hallmark of a true musical paradigm shift, an empire built not by design, but by sheer, unadulterated sonic power.
Iommi himself, with characteristic humility, has noted that when Black Sabbath started, they weren’t consciously trying to “achieve greatness or attempting to influence anyone”. They were simply “just playing something that [they] like[d]”. Yet, he acknowledges the undeniable, profound impact: “I don’t think the music would be like it is today without us”. This organic, unforced genesis underscores the authenticity and power of their innovation.
Beyond the Riff: The Man Behind the Myth
Beneath the legendary riffs and the larger-than-life stage persona, Tony Iommi remains a figure of remarkable humility and resilience. Despite his status as a pioneer of heavy metal, Iommi has always credited his family and formative experiences for grounding his music and fueling his creativity. His battle with cancer, diagnosed in 2012, revealed yet another layer of his indomitable spirit, as he continued to write, play, and inspire even in the face of adversity. Iommi’s passion for music extends far beyond his work with Black Sabbath; his influence can be felt in the countless musicians who cite him as a guiding force, and in the enduring popularity of the musical instruments and styles he helped popularize. Whether in the UK or across the world, his story resonates with anyone who has ever picked up a guitar or dreamed of creating something new. Iommi’s legacy is not just in the sound he created, but in the way he inspired others to play, to innovate, and to persevere. His journey from the industrial heart of Birmingham to the pinnacle of musical achievement is a testament to the power of creativity, the importance of never giving up, and the enduring impact one musician can have on the world.
The Final Sabbath: A Homecoming and a Legacy Cemented
Tonight, the air in Birmingham crackles with anticipation as Black Sabbath prepares to perform their “Back To The Beginning” farewell concert at Villa Park. This event is far more than just a gig; it’s a profound homecoming, a symbolic return to the very city that birthed the behemoth that would become heavy metal, marking a truly significant and emotional end to an unparalleled era.
One of the most poignant aspects of tonight’s performance is the reunion of the classic, original lineup: Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. For the first time in two decades, these four titans will share a stage. This reunion carries immense weight, especially considering the past conflicts and Bill Ward’s previous refusal to participate in “The End” tour due to contractual disputes. His reconciliation and presence signify a true full circle, a unified final statement from the band that started it all. The human element of this farewell is palpable. Bassist Geezer Butler has openly expressed intense anxiety about the show, fearing that “everything would go wrong”. Vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, bravely battling Parkinson’s disease, will perform a limited set, adding a layer of raw vulnerability and profound emotion to the occasion. Their willingness to face these challenges for one last performance underscores the immense significance of this moment for them and their fans. For Geezer Butler, performing at Villa Park, the stadium of his beloved football team, Aston Villa, brings a deep sense of “coming full circle,” connecting their global legacy back to their local roots.
This isn’t just a band playing its last show; it’s a deeply emotional and symbolic moment of closure, not only for the band members themselves but for generations of fans worldwide. The reunion, overcoming past grievances and personal challenges, speaks volumes about the enduring power of their shared history and the profound significance of this final act. The vulnerability displayed by Ozzy and Geezer humanizes these legendary figures, making the farewell all the more poignant and relatable. The charitable contributions transform the event into a collective act of giving back, elevating it beyond a mere musical spectacle to a shared cultural and emotional experience. It represents a collective catharsis, a final, resonant chord struck for their community, their legacy, and the millions of lives their music has touched, acknowledging an end while simultaneously celebrating an eternal and indelible impact.
The concert is designed as a colossal celebration of Black Sabbath’s enduring impact. With musical director Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine at the helm, the event features a star-studded lineup of heavy music legends, including Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, and Guns N’ Roses. The presence of these bands, all of whom unequivocally owe a profound debt to Black Sabbath’s pioneering work, serves as a powerful testament to the band’s unrivaled influence and the historic nature of this farewell. Adding another layer of profound meaning to this monumental farewell, the proceeds from the concert will be directed towards causes close to the band’s heart. These include Cure Parkinson’s, Acorns Children’s Hospice, and Birmingham Children’s Hospital. This charitable aspect transforms the event from a mere musical spectacle into a collective act of giving back to the community that nurtured their beginnings, further cementing their legacy as more than just musicians.
Conclusion: The Riff Lives On – A Testament to Perseverance and Power
Tony Iommi’s journey is a singular, inspiring testament to human perseverance, relentless innovation, and the transformative power of music. From the devastating crucible of an industrial accident, he not only defied expectations but forged a unique playing style, a revolutionary sonic vocabulary, and, in doing so, became the undisputed architect of heavy metal. His iconic riffs, born of necessity, infused with the dramatic tension of classical music, and imbued with the bleak grandeur of his industrial hometown, continue to inspire, define, and propel the genre forward. His impact is immeasurable, his influence indelible.
As Black Sabbath takes its final, thunderous bow tonight in Birmingham, it marks not an end, but a moment to reflect on the enduring power of their creation. It’s a moment to truly appreciate how one man’s resilience, ingenuity, and unwavering commitment to his craft created a sound that echoed across generations and genres, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of popular music. The “Iron Man” truly built an empire of sound, and his riffs will resonate for eternity.
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