Geezer Butler claims Tony Iommi doesn't get 'the credit he deserves as a guitarist'

He praises his former Black Sabbath band mate

Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi in 2019
Author: Scott ColothanPublished 17th Jul 2023

Geezer Butler has stated that his former Black Sabbath band mate Tony Iommi is underappreciated as a guitarist.

To celebrate the recent release of Geezer Butler’s autobiography ‘Into the Void: From Birth to Black Sabbath – and Beyond’, Planet Rock is running exclusive audio clips of Geezer reading extracts from the memoir all this week.

Delivered in Geezer’s dulcet Brummie tones, the audiobook clips air shortly before midnight from today (17th July) until Friday 21st July.

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Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi in 1983

In one of the extracts, Geezer reminisces about the pivotal moment Tony Iommi came up with the riff for ‘Sabbath Bloody Sabbath’ in the recording studio 50 years ago in 1973.

“I remember Tony walking into the studio and saying, ‘Well, I've got one thing’ before launching into the riff for ‘Sabbath Bloody Sabbath’,” Geezer remarks.

“It was a glorious moment. Relief washed over me because that riff - one of the best I've ever heard - meant we had a present and a future. We weren't done yet. Sabbath would live!”

He continues: “While I'm on the subject of Tony's uncanny ability to conjure a monster riff, I don't think he gets the credit he deserves as a guitarist.

“I recently saw one of those Best Rock Guitarists of All Time lists, and Tony was down in the 30s. Meanwhile, Eddie Van Halen wasn't in the top 10 and Keith Richards was at number two. Whoever wrote that list needs their head testing! Anyway, there's no such thing as the best guitarist or the best drummer or the best anything. It all depends on the genre and it's totally subjective.”

Geezer adds: “I know how great Tony is because I had a ringside seat for almost 50 years, we'd be jamming away and he'd be coming up with riffs left, right and centre. And I defy anyone to name three better rock riffs than ‘Iron Man’, ‘Supernaut and ‘Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.’”

Win a copy of Geezer Butler’s ‘Into the Void’:

Planet Rock is giving away hardback copies of ‘Into the Void: From Birth to Black Sabbath – and Beyond’ in an online competiton.

Simply answer the question RIGHT HERE to be in with a chance of winning.

Don't fancy leaving it to luck? You can pick up a hardback or audiobook copy from Geezer's website here.

The greatest Black Sabbath albums as voted by Planet Rock listeners:

19) 'Cross Purposes' (1994) - 0.2%


18) 'The Eternal Idol' (1987) - 0.3%


17) 'Tyr' (1990) - 0.4%


16) 'Seventh Star' (1986) - 0.8%


15) 'Born Again' (1983) - 1.2%


14) '13' (2013) - 1.3%


13) 'Technical Ecstasy' (1976) - 1.5%


12) 'Never Say Die' (1978) - 1.8%


11) 'Headless Cross' (1989) - 1.9%


10) 'Mob Rules' (1981) - 2.2%


9) 'Dehumanizer' (1992) - 2.4%


8) 'Forbidden' (1995) - 4.4%


7) 'Sabotage' (1975) - 6.2%


6) 'Vol.4' (1972) - 7.5%


5) 'Master of Reality' (1971) - 7.9%


4) 'Black Sabbath' (1970) - 11.1%


3) 'Heaven and Hell' (1980) - 16%


2) 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath' (1973) - 16.1%


1) 'Paranoid' (1970) - 16.7%


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