“I lost the tips of two fingers in an accident when I was 17. Doctors told me that I had no hope of playing guitar again. I refused to accept that”: The life and times of Tony Iommi, metal’s indestructible dark lord
Tony Iommi, Black Sabbath’s guitarist and a defining figure in heavy metal, discussed his life in connection with his 2011 autobiography, Iron Man: My Journey Through Heaven And Hell With Black Sabbath. Long known for guarding his privacy, Iommi said the book marked an uncomfortable but deliberate decision to reveal more about the events that shaped him, including the accident that nearly ended his musical career.
At 17, Iommi lost the tips of two fingers in an industrial accident and was told he would not be able to play guitar again. He refused to accept that prognosis, adapting his playing with modified fingertips and helping create the heavy, distinctive sound that became central to Black Sabbath and metal more broadly.
- Iommi overcame a life-changing hand injury to play guitar.
- His 2011 autobiography revealed his previously private life.
- His adaptations helped shape Black Sabbath’s influential sound.