The Horrific Accident That Created Heavy Metal

[@AlexxxGrrr]

Losing your fingertips in an industrial accident in a metal press, overcoming the odds and inventing a new genre of music as a byproduct is the most metal thing in the history of metal music

[@synshenron798]

Believe it or not I actually just had an accident at my house. I accidentally cut my left middle finger half way down the tip. Its not as bad as Tony’s injury but I wont have a nail and part of my finger tip for quite some tip until they heal up

[@thebigbadbone7238]

@@synshenron798 Time to innovate, friend!

[@Raz-lw9vi]

@@synshenron798 time to start workin on a new genre chief. We’re all counting on you

[@synshenron798]

@@Raz-lw9vi Shit, now I gotta do something profound in the world of music

[@westoncroye643]

I Almost ruined the likes on your comment I would like it but it deserves to stay at 666 to stay as the most metal comment on a video about the most metal man to ever exist.

[@IVORY123100]

I started playing in 1979 . My father said I'd give it up in a week . 3 years ago my thumb was turning black and a Dr told me It was a fungal infection. Until a year later it ruptured . Went to a hand surgeon and his eyes widened " How Long ? " . It was biopsied and came back malignant melanoma .Immediately scheduled for amputation and a lymph node biopsy .My girlfriend of 20 years never heard me play since I was shy .I played a night before amputation for her . Blood covering the strings and crying .. Let me show you !! listen . She was stunned and I flew like an eagle . My thumb was removed and the scans and biopsy came back ..It was now Stage 4 Cancer with three brain tumors .Expected not to live through the summer of 2020 . But here I am !! Playing the best I ever have .. Get back on that horse . Never give up and make what is seen as a disability .. An asset

[@JamFlexx]

damn vro death must be scared of you , keep rockin 🎸

[@MrDadulence]

the art is yours brother, nothing but death will do us part from what we make. keep rockin!!!!

[@bambehdeluxe8751]

I call horse shit on this story.

[@marsyaszed]

@@bambehdeluxe8751 lmao

[@bambehdeluxe8751]

@@marsyaszed For real though lol "I've been with this girl for 20 years and I'm too shy to play in front of her." Like are you fking kidding me? You'd think playing guitar would be one of the first things you'd show a girl you're interested in. "Started playing guitar while crying and bleeding all over it." Oh how horse shit. "I had 5 brain tumors too and I'm still here!" Like what the fuck kind of 'like-thirsty' comment is this?

[@jaypennebaker9979]

So, the guy that created Heavy Metal lost his finger tips to a heavy piece of metal... The universe is beautiful.

[@TheReincarnatedDeath]

In a factory making army artillery. Breathing in metal particals, resulting in having metal flowing through the veins!

[@RickP2012]

@@TheReincarnatedDeath If it wasn't for the 'War Pigs' he wouldn't have had a job!

[@DMNingasca]

the Real life IRON MAN

[@burneshortliver2161]

@@TheReincarnatedDeath "I am Iron Man"

[@AR15OFFICIAL]

Guess thats where the name comes from

[@Kylor80sMetalFan]

The accident Tony endured was instrumental (no pun intended), in creating metal. Honestly the fact he created his own prosthesis afterward is just another reason to love Sabbath and metal in general. 🤘😎🎸🤘

[@OliveDoctor]

Metal took his fingers, later, what's left of his fingers forged the heavy metal. What a legend

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

tony iommi all time A leaguer, riff lord and savior

[@gandalftheantlion]

Metal took his fingers, but he took the metal!

[@isuckatnames2659]

"the heavy metal" 😂😂😂😂😂

[@MarcillaSmith]

This is surely the most metal story in the history of electrically-conductive minerals.

[@charliec.3518]

@@MarcillaSmith wait what the fuck, thats how we designate if something is a metal vs another mineral? School howd you fail me on this too, i gotta look into that, i just assumed the fact that metals i know are conductive was just a coincidence, well shit lmfao

[@Gunners_Mate_Guns]

Where there's a will, there's a way. Tony goes from maimed blue collar man to guitar legend, all because he refused to just accept his lot in life. Tony's also one of the most articulate people you'll ever hear in an interview and a very well liked man.

[@B_COOPER]

It’s incredible that his former manager gifting him that album motivated him to keep going. That man needs more recognization than “former manager” we may have not had the heavy metal we have today without that small significant gesture

[@edgarsifuentes3248]

Yeah people gotta really value what others do. I admire people who can play guitar, Iommi a legend of riffs🎸

[@pirbiphx3017]

"Here's an album of someone else with cripple fingers. See, it's no big deal. Don't sue me."

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

Tony is an all time A leaguer

[@Shlogger]

@@pirbiphx3017 haha

[@endcensorship874]

And it's the simple gestures that mean so much.

[@zenz0ha472]

Tony Iommi was my childhood hero. My dad and I loved listening to his solos and old Black Sabbath. When my dad told me that he lost the tip of his finger and created metal with it, I lost my shit. I was amazed, and hearing his music always reminds me of the struggle he went through to absolutely change music forever.

[@nairamdiam]

I cannot imagine, how many times Tony has told this story in his life

[@stevenstrang3605]

Tommy?

[@perpetualbystander4516]

@@stevenstrang3605 He's talking about Tommy Ionni, and not Tony Iommi. 😉

[@nairamdiam]

@@perpetualbystander4516 yes, isn’t it obvious 😂?

[@doomslobs]

He never told this story in his life. Because this story is wrong.

[@puredistilledwater]

@@doomslobs Then why would he be telling the story? 🤔

[@bloodmoney88]

So happy that Tony decided to struggle on, his work is inspirational.

[@rezlogan4787]

As a young musician I used to find it strange how fond Iommi was of power chords. I used to joke he sounded like he couldn’t play any other chords. Poor guy, maybe I was right. I have lots of respect for him carrying on for so many years.

[@davesaenz3732]

After the first 3 albums he plays lots of chords. First 3 though its lots of power chords.

[@itssslashhere5245]

dude his playing style is soo good he can turn power cords into something so powerful

[@cameronblaylock]

i don't know if y'all know any metal other than black sabbath but power chords are the bread and butter of pretty much any metal song. it's rare to find a song without a single power chord riff in most genres. also power chords have just as much, if not, more potential to be powerful than any other chords on the guitar because they have the most versatility for arrangement and nuance of groove.

[@zaydjawad3653]

​@@cameronblaylock Yup, many famous metal bands like Metallica use loads of power bands

[@PaisleyPatchouli]

This short documentary on Tony Iommi and his near tragic accident is absolutely BRILLIANT! Congrat's and Kudos for producing it; I hope it gets many millions of views; and I wish more KZbin content creators were as adept and succinct as you are here, with your perfect narration, audio levels and editing. Really great work; I have so much more respect and admiration for the legend Tony Iommi because of this five minute video. I always knew he had been injured, but I never knew the extent or details. Thanks again for this!

[@ash_11117]

Imagine, his last day of working there before he quits for his band. He probably thought “Wow my dream as a guitarist is ruined, and it just had to be on my last day of work” But instead he didn’t give up, and invented a whole new genre of music. Respect

[@SlickArmor]

We will never know if we would have even have ever heard of him without that accident. He may have just been another struggling nobody.

[@mkv2718]

1 day before retirement!

[@sjean2166]

Imagine if that other guy showed up to work that day

[@RT-qd8yl]

That's why wise people use a sick day for their last day at a job if they know it's their last day. NEVER show up in person. You never know what someone else might have planned.

[@ryanokane2412]

Lego jar jar it is I Darth vader

[@dimitris.4484]

Very inspiring story....He had an accident but his love for the music made him to create something new and succesfull .Respect.

[@lisakvieira9201]

What an Inspiration, he didn't give up and he played guitar like no other for his time!!😊✌

[@j2thejc231]

I mean the dude made his own fingers to play. That right there alone is inspiring.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

he created a genre and we are forever in his debt

[@Planet-Pantera]

@@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle Well said 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@654Crossman]

After deforming my finger, I got even more serious about playing guitar. I always loved playing but those 2 months of not knowing if I'd be able to play again, was enough to make me serious. Been practicing almost daily, since.

[@lsufan4138]

Out of the worst accidents can come something great.

[@davidareeves]

That's what the doc said to my mum as she got slapped

[@hater2764]

@@davidareeves What?

[@davidareeves]

@@hater2764 Pardon

[@LouieTheLip]

👌

[@JayDee-xj9lu]

I had an accident and I asked the doctor if I can play guitar. He said yes, I said great, I couldn't play before.

[@SubPablum]

There are many musicians that inspired other people to become musicians, like Hendrix and Page, but Tony's sound has inspired entire genres. Not a lot a bands flat out sound like Hendrix or Led Zeppelin (worthy of note at any rate) but tons of great bands sound like Black Sabbath.

[@davesaenz3732]

Black Sabbath is the standard of Metal. No one sounds like Zeppelin or Jimmy. That is almost gone.

[@jefffivel1227]

No one can come close to Sabbath

[@jimjk7]

you are wrong about led zeppelin. Bonzo set the standard of heavy drum

[@jimjk7]

@@davesaenz3732 Bonzo of led zeppelin is the standard of heavy metal drumming!

[@Heavywall70]

As a nine fingered guitarist myself , he’s an inspiration!

[@euanh464]

on one hand???

[@pacificcoastpiper3949]

OW!

[@pineapplepenumbra]

Where did you get the extra finger from?

[@afrogsneck]

@@euanh464 you’re joking right?

[@euanh464]

@@afrogsneck yes, I'm joking

[@FreakyGremlinDK]

One man loses parts of his fingers and it changes the life not only for himself, but for millions! I love metal and wouldn't be without it!

[@keithe.bilitsky833]

Great band, great guitarist. Grew up on Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin.

[@mattsal2070]

Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, two of my favorite bands

[@daddy_pooplord4829]

@@mattsal2070 same!

[@ozzy82nick]

I think 70s Scorp's with Uli deserves more respect and recognition from metalheads than they have! I'm not comparing bands. Just express opinion.

[@douggordon9225]

Same incredible bands

[@edgarsifuentes3248]

@@ozzy82nick unbeatable Scorpions from 1974-1978🎸

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

Tony's autobiography is a MUST READ! So much excellent history and hilarious stories. How they used to mess with Bill is gut busting!

[@HeisntLegend]

When I started playing guitar, I learned about this. I was already inspired by literally any left handed guitarist I came across because there aren't that many of us. When I learned about his fingers though..it put Tony in a completely different bracket of guitarists for me.

[@michaelmetal71]

i totally agree,being also left handed myself i admire Tony for overcoming his accident,also their were very few lefty guitars 🎸 available during that time,glad to live during a time when you have a decent variety of lefty guitars available,i just got a schecter nick johnston hss best electric guitar i’ve ever owned 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@asriel1575]

fellow lefties

[@lamargent5434]

Lefty should learn playin' like right one

[@HeisntLegend]

@@lamargent5434 oh sorry you're right, let me just completely reorient my brain real quick.

[@lamargent5434]

@@HeisntLegend it should be possible.

[@davidfrank2824]

I am so impressed with what somebody who was fine one day handicapped the next. He knew there was something he loved to do and he was going to figure it out no matter what. I wish I have his drive. 14 years ago I broke my back and I have never had one day since without pain. After a few surgeries I was able to do a few things but nothing at all compared to what my life was. Over a Year's I allowed my handicapped to define me. Whatever motivated him I wish I had that in myself. Thank you for this video. I'm already a subscriber and I always make sure to hit the like button. As always look forward to your next video.

[@blahpunk1]

I thought it was strange when I was a teenager learning to play Paranoid. So much reliance on the 1st and 3rd finger which started looking familiar as I learned more and more songs. I didn't know Iommi had lost the tips of his fingers. I figured it was just a rock thing with so many 5ths and 4ths. I also assumed he never used his pinky because I, with all my finger tips, didn't need to. Looking at these videos it almost looks like his pinky replaces his middle finger some times.

[@5roundsrapid263]

Yep, the dyads and triads which are essential to metal now. “Power chords” as they’re better known.

[@liyaandinnamay2501]

Tony is really strong. He didn't give up and continued reaching his desirable goals. Look up to his stamina and determination. Tony is my favourite guitarist. He made the real sound of Heavy Metal!😍💞💕💗🌹🌹🤘🤘🔥

[@jefferydavis3332]

When life cuts off your finger tips, create heavy metal

[@peterfitzpatrick7032]

The steam-hammer takes no prisoners, he was lucky... 🤕

[@NondoPondo]

Heard about this. It's the kind of inspiration that never gets old. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@kenyoung9284]

He's a bigger influence on me as a guitar player than most I suppose because I learned darn near every tune they had available when I started in the early 80's. Sweet leaf was the first song I taught myself when I understood bar chords.....lol. that and judas priest......

[@free-birdrocker8809]

BTW Thanks Tony Iommi for many years of easy to play Barre chords and lead licks, You truly are the man! Rock on Tony! Ciao!

[@farzyness]

This is so BAD ASS! Perfect example how you can turn anything, ANYTHING, into a positive.

[@paganavenger8920]

Wow! Interesting origin story. I really love the concept of how he got those prosthetic finger tips. This is the reason why Heavy Metal was born.

[@julianhunter9455]

What an inspirational video. I play lefty and have struggled for years with a dicky right wrist and playing cords properly. Its motivating to know that great guitarist have faced and overcome adversity.

[@AGENT_MIFTAHUL]

this guy is a legend. defining rock literally for many decades to come.

[@kingofbruhssia4639]

The dude literally inspired me to play guitar bc I have extremely short pinky. Then I looked at Tony Iommi and said if he could become a guitar master then how come I can't play? Thank you Tony.

[@Marklarable]

Great video, the details of the accident were never clear to me before.

[@Ravenoflight2275]

Any Metal devotee of Heavy Metal and Black Sabbath knows about the horrific accident that harmed Tony Iommi. He is the master architect of Heavy Metal 🤘🏿

[@waywardspirit7898]

And I have a hard enough time with being able to "feel" the strings under my finger tips. Can not imagine playing with plastic tips. Crazy. And legendary.

[@jeremybaker195]

I burned 🔥 my left hand and arm pretty bad. At one point they told me I may have burned it so bad that if it doesn't start healing better I may loose it. That really scared me. At the time I wasn't playing a lot of guitar because I had 3 young children and worked as much as possible to put shoes on their feet and food in their mouths. Long story short my hand is still there its a little off but I would say it works at about 85% of what the right one does. Because of circulatory and nerve damage issues my hand gets sore kinda fast and sometimes gets numb but now that my kids are grown and I have time I love playing my guitars and although I sometimes get frustrated because things aren't working like they should I just need to remember it could be worse. I've seen one bass player on KZbin that has NO RIGHT HAND and he plays by doing hammer ons and pull offs and he is good. Total RESPECT 🙏🏼 👏 For this man.

[@5roundsrapid263]

Django Reinhardt’s hand injury was also from severe burns. Don’t let it stop you. If you’re happy playing, keep doing it.

[@rupe53]

@@5roundsrapid263 ... if you have been around for a few years then you'll also know that Les Paul suffered a broken elbow long before micro surgery and artificial joints were a thing. He told the docs to fuse the joint at 45 degrees so he could still play guitar. The rest is history.

[@revenevan11]

@@rupe53 that's... *pretty damn metal* 😎

[@ebogar42]

Don't feel bad. I lost my hands, legs, and eyes back in 1996

[@5roundsrapid263]

@@rupe53 I did know that. He was awesome.

[@ramonapetermann9585]

I am a fan since 1971, I love the music of Sabbath until this very day and have the biggest respect and gratitude that Tony did not give up after this horrible accident.

[@jayclark5912]

Inspiring guitar players everywhere. Simple but brilliant riffs. Sometimes bad things happen to provide a clear path.

[@EpicBongZilla]

My great uncle was a violinist and a carpenter at the same time. He was very passionate about playing the violin and he was very good at it. But while working as a carpenter he cut off several of his fingers off the hand he used to play strings on the violin. Being that he was so passionate about the violin. He actually used his carpentry skills to cut and fashion fingers for his missing fingers. He then taught his self to replay the violin without feeling in his fingers to play the strings. Pretty impressive, I still have a newspaper clipping covering him and his wooden fingers. The beginning of this reminded me of that.

[@neonfroot]

Its a shame that nowadays, blue collar jobs are getting scarce in the west, or not popular at least.

[@ANDROLOMA]

May Mr. Iommi live long and prosper, for all the joy he's given millions with his music. Including me.

[@noelv1976]

This story will never get old, no matter how many times I hear it

[@jackattack7940]

The riff god himself. If it wasn't for him then rock and metal wouldn't have been the same! 🤘

[@edgarsifuentes3248]

Lol not even. Hendrix and Cream did heavy riffs and fast songs before them. Iron Butterfly too

[@excusemeumiloveu2531]

@@edgarsifuentes3248 those artists are amazing, they had their own style, but without black sabbath, the metal genre would sound very different, there's a reason why they're credited for inventing metal, and it's kinda stupid to deny it

[@edgarsifuentes3248]

@@excusemeumiloveu2531 you gotta listen to their discographies to really understand how it started where it started. Black Sabbath is “the first metal band” as they are pioneers of metal but they weren’t the first ones they just continue what the ones before them were doing and they focused on that the most that’s why the nickname. There was a really thin line between hard rock and metal in those yrs but now we can really go back and see. It first was heavy blues with Hendrix and Cream that’s how that term was born and both started to mix it with the Psychedelic and Hard Rock and they really did some heavy stuff in 66,67. We both know how to identify metal, heavy repetitive riffs, dense bass and drumming. Songs like “catfish blues” “wild thing” “Foxey lady” in 1966 by Hendrix and “purple haze” “manic depression” “Spanish castle” “hear my train” “lil miss lover” in 1967 by Hendrix. Cream did Spoonful in 1966 and “toad” even though that song is just drumming by baker. the first minute is heavy riffing . and that’s it from them by 1967. They didn’t started with those songs their careers, those are the heavy ones they did , the metal they did cuz it is just listen to the live raw versions. Hendrix as you know started with “hey Joe” , “killing floor” , “hace mercy” , wild thing” , “red house” those songs made him famous from day to night in England in 1966. Cream started with “I’m so glad” “crossroads” , “spoonful” “sweet swine” “NSU. Both were touring the UK and Europe by 1966 and 1967. Both recorded their debut albums that had all these songs in October 1966. Black Sabbath didn’t appeared until 3 yrs later in late 1969 and released their debut album in 1970.

[@edgarsifuentes3248]

@@excusemeumiloveu2531 in 1968 is when Iron Butterfly showed up and Cream as you know they did the farewell tour and Clapton,Baker, Bruce went their way and Clapton went back to the blues. Hendrix still did some heavy metal songs then, this the year he made “voodoo child” , “midnight lighting” , “peace in Mississippi” , “Tax free” that song that’s really really heavy metal, same style as what Black Sabbath did later. Other songs are also metal. Cream did “Politician” same style as what Black Sabbath did later. Cream also did “sunshine of your love” again the live raw versions really show it. Iron Butterfly shows up with some heavy stuff too I mean their debut album is called Heavy! “Possession” “fields of sun” and “iron butterfly theme” those are heavy and the live raw versions definitely metal. Yeah the Beatles did “Helter skelter” but one song alone doesn’t make them metal pioneers these other 3 definitely are pioneers. Nothing takes away Black Sabbath from being the first metal band but well look at all these songs mainly the live raw versions, some are notable enough in the studio versions but others yeah. Black Sabbath showed up in late 1969.

[@edgarsifuentes3248]

@@excusemeumiloveu2531 if you want to say metal started in 1969 or 1970 when Sabbath showed up well not only did Hendrix continue to do metal songs but as you know Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple showed up and also Iron Butterfly continue to do so. Had to go check on the 1969 Iron Butterfly album. They did “in the times of our lives” “it must be love”, “filled with fear” (January 1969) Zeppelin did “how many more times” my favorite Zeppelin song by the way, “communication breakdown” (January 1969) they also did “heartbreaker” later thy year. Hendrix did “Machine gun” at the very end of 1969 and “in from storm” in May 1970 after Black Sabbath released their debut album in Feb 1970. No need to name which songs that whole album is metal! Deep Purple did “bloodsucker” , “into the fire” , “speed king” , “fight of the rat” “hard loving” in June 1970 between Black Sabbath’s 2 first albums. Grandfunk also did some songs the same month! Crazy right, they did “in need” “sin is a good man brother” , “hooked on” and “paranoid”, they also did “gimme shelter in 1971 though ill added it here. After this Black Sabbath did theirs second album, then “Master of reality in 1971. I only would add Scorpions since they’re my favorites. They did “I’m going mad” “inheritance” “lonesome crow” , “it all depends in 1971 in Germany while all the rest were in England some Europe and U.S. So Sabbath are pioneers of metal but they didn’t start it. They’re one of my favorites from the 70s👍🏼

[@atheisthumanist1964]

Damn. I have a lot more respect for him now. Didn't know about this at all. Amazingly cool that he figured out a way to allow him to keep doing what he loved. Adapt and overcome!

[@chrisostling805]

My first Rock Concert was Van Halen, before they were known, opening for Black Sabbath, right before they fired Ozzy. I play Bass in an up-and-coming Metal/Blues band and Geezer is one of my main influences. I am the oldest member of the band and yes, they consider me their Geezer, though I cannot yet play like him. Right now, my band is getting ready to do a couple of mini tours in the Bay area in Aug and Sept opening for other bands. I am writing heavy metal and punk songs for the first time, along with writing kick ass bass lines for our other original music, F that cover tune crap! I am 60 years old, during our last practice, my drummer and front man were talking about a band they were in before and they did not realize it but they gave me the most wonderful compliment. They were talking about some of the venues they played and how they could have been better, and they both agreed that now they have a kick ass Bass player that is much better than the professional one they had before. Thank you, Geezer, John Entwistle, Geddy and most of all, Lynn Tedke. The later was my instructor for BC Baritone scholarship lessons when I was in HS. Lynn played for the Boston Pops and the Tiajuana Brass and was incredible, he was a hell of a teacher and I learned so much from him, RIP. I would not be where I am now without him.

[@kamilfingr371]

This story never gets old.

[@123theprodigy5]

I heard about the story, blessing in disguise.

[@envioustunic6713]

That it is, for sure.

[@andreschiriff4354]

Nothing calm me down better than metal. And it is amazing that like the best inventions ever that came out of adversity or a mistake like in this situation was adversity and a struggle and that is what metal is all about going above and beyond and finding a way out. And this is why I love metal

[@TH3F4LC0Nx]

"There are no accidents!" - Master Oogway

[@04dram04]

The irony that heavy metal was born from an injury from a METAL flattening machine.

[@AngelGarcia-xk6sc]

3:33 I love how we've evolved from Black Sabbath to Meshuggah, thanks to that particular sound.

[@lezombie2431]

?

[@jesterfrombeyond1776]

??

[@XanVicious]

????

[@victorsiang1658]

​@@jesterfrombeyond1776Dumbass

[@victorsiang1658]

​@@XanViciousDumbass

[@Silverpup67]

The most amazing 5 min of my week! Thank you.

[@foxboy1985]

This man...MAN... This legend is the reason I play today

[@fayezahamed8167]

Massive massive massive respect. You taught me a very important lesson about life today!! I salute you sir!!

[@slayer9240]

I can identify with Tony as I had a similar accident I lost just over one inch on three of my fingers.

[@juanmejia7372]

I Never get enough of this awesome story, imagine if the accident never happened, maybe we would never had Black Sabbath let alone the Heavy Metal genre

[@benderisgreat95able]

That final shift really moved mountains for his music career.

[@waltermoldren4991]

and the music world. It would be very different without him.

[@mrconfusion87]

And crazily enough, Tony may never have gotten the same amount of recognition in music history if it weren't for that fateful "final shift" at the steel plant!

[@tankacebo9128]

I have loved sabbath and Ozzy for years, and I knew they were the start of the heavy metal genre, but I never knew just how *metal* that start actually was...

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

Sabbath the start of metal, the blizzard of ozz the rebirth of metal

[@TheRareVideosXL]

This is amazing. Great video. Keep it up.

[@ConeFlower-gx2qk]

I was in a fire and had 3rd degree burns on my entire hands and fingers along with my back. I was heartbroken I didn’t think I could ever play again he really influenced me to keep playing. I had to down tune and use thinner gauge strings and noticed that an SG was easy to play than my fender and it took me six months but I’m playing again. My hands still hurt sometimes especially when it’s cold out

[@coldvoid]

Imagine he lost more than tips of fingers...

[@tonyabbett1639]

I LOVE that this video got it right. Black Sabbath was the first heavy metal band. No one else. Black Sabbath!!!

[@MrRelaxedanderson]

I taught myself guitar to the first Sabbath album. I was a bigger Maiden fan at the time but that was far too complicated. I learned that entire album by ear but a half step up because my shitty turntable used to spin too fast. I still can't play the last riff on the song 'Black Sabbath' in standard tuning, that open D throws me every time. But I'm really proud of the 14 year old me for working out the solo for 'Warning' when it was far beyond my ability at the time (and is probably far beyond my ability at 43 as well if I'm honest).

[@RickyGuterson]

The fact that heavy metal was actually created by heavy metal is epic.

[@MH-mv7tm]

Awesome❤️ Really touching

[@notsoberoveranalyzer8264]

Many Nirvana songs have the unique guitar sound as Kurt didn’t have much of a music education, though he studied and broke down why certain songs were catchy, found patterns etc. another thing was the way he played the guitar wasn’t “correct” but gave such a unique sound that’s now taught.

[@TheD4nkestMemer]

Doctors: You can't play the guitar anymore, sorry. Tony's old manager: Yes, yes you can.

[@moonlightreveries1459]

This is so inspiring. Tony is a strong, motivated, and relentless man!! 🎸 🤘🏼

[@ftlllhippies1544]

have a look on KZbin at WHO REALLY INVENTED SACRIFICE METAL?

[@andrewknettel7552]

I would say his prominent use of the flatted 5th birthed heavy metal on top of his use of power chords. A legend and inspiration

[@ElFrrrito]

Just had surgery last week due to a motorcycle accident where a truck destroyed my left thumb in 20 pieces. Been playing bass and upright bass for about 18 years now; this video came across just when i was feeling like giving up on music for a while. Praise Iommi!

[@JamesWilson-2011]

He has amazing influence not just cause of the accident but literally Every guitar player starts with black sabbath

[@yami7833]

Not really

[@JamesWilson-2011]

@@yami7833 I mean maybe not for you but sabbath was how I learned power chords

[@peterdore2572]

The fact that he had that accident before fame makes Tonny Iommi the Greatest Guitarist Legend of All Time. I truly respect him. I love Black Sabbath! The creepy Ozzy voice, the chemistry between Iommis toned down sounds and Geezers Amped up Bass anchored onto Wards Solid yet Solo riddled Drums!!! Still one of my Fav Bands❤❤❤

[@osiruskat]

django reinhart had a similar incident where his hands were burned and two of his finger were fused together but that didn't stop him for producing rapid fire jazz licks in the 40's. Tony Iommi is one of my top five guitarist of all time but I see him as the father of Doom or Stoner Rock not Metal. The manager for Blue Oyster Cult, Sandy Perlman, made that term Heavy Metal famous in the late 60's although the term really came from a William S.Burrough's book Novel Express...remember early hard rock band The Heavy Metal Kids. The years 1969 and 70 were the years for heavy music starting with Blue Cheer thundering with Summertime Blues (1967) followed Deep Purple, Lucifer's Friend "Riding the Storm, Led Zeppelin (1969), Mountain's use of pinch harmonics in "Nantucket Sleighride", The Who's high velocity rock n roll "Live at Leeds", America's Sir Lord Baltimore first two albums, Uriah Heep's screaming vocals of "Bird of Prey". Heavy Metal in my mind growing up during the 70's format was of frontman with soaring high pitched vocals, loud piercing harmonic solos and syncopated pulsing rhythm sections. Sabbath was a heavy groove band that Iommi used a lot of fast licks like Alvin Lee of 10 Years After but heavier with imagery of the supernatural. Judas Priest on the other hand although bluesy at first really pushed that whole screaming frontman with piercing guitars as well as Ronnie James Dio with Rainbow. Other heavy bands that came out the same time as Sabbath were Uriah Heep, the Scorpions, U.F.O., Nazareth (1965), Budgie (1965)

[@rwbjlb9142]

I saw Black Sabbath in San Jose during their final tour. The man is a genius and helped create a new genre of music that continues today. Their music will forever be remembered as the greatest metal band ever.

[@ats-3693]

I've been a Black Sabbath and Tony Iommi fan since I was a teenager in the 80's, I also have the tip of my first finger on my left hand missing and it was Tony Iommi that showed me that this doesn't mean that you can't become a great guitar player, now 35 years later I'm really shit at guitar and thanks to Tony I can't blame that on my missing finger tip.

[@elwolf8536]

😂

[@wildershoney2439]

I couldn't imagine music without ever hearing this sound. RIP to your fingers Tony.

[@robertocampusano3980]

Literally heavy metal made heavy metal.That’s f**ken metal.

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

Tony's sound is awesome. Hard to correctly imitate.

[@MichaelBradley1967]

The accident was the *_conception_* of heavy metal. The birth happened when Black Sabbath was released Feb.13 1970 and the rest is history.

[@Mikdeelow]

I had wondered why TL’s fingers are taped, assuming he did it due to sore fingertips. Great job on the story, subscribed. Rock On!

[@TheGodseye76]

It was destiny. LAST SHIFT! The will to continue always blows me away. So glad he didn't give up.

[@MacDaddyRico]

Doctor: I'm afraid your guitar playing days are over, son. Tony Iommi: I accept the challenge...

[@CyclesAreSingularities]

i mean may not be able to appreciate classic metal bands because i just didn't grow up with it. however i do can appreciate what classic metal has done for the modern metal i like. there wouldn't be djent or metalcore if it wasn't for them so thank you!

[@bootymeatcrusher_69]

Metal core and djent fucking suck tho

[@envioustunic6713]

Just because you weren't born in the same area doesn't mean you cant appreciate or love Heavy Metal

[@KrisSchwarz98]

@@bootymeatcrusher_69 its the other way around, foh

[@bootymeatcrusher_69]

@@KrisSchwarz98 what trash is djent... that works too

[@stub8058]

I met Tony a few times when I worked at as a vehicle technician in a garage in Solihull in the West Midlands, really nice, down to earth guy.

[@Malegys]

Tony Iommi only started downtuning in 1971 for the Master of Reality album, their 3rd one. Whilst the accident with his fingers happened in 1965. So he played in standard tuning (with those false fingertips) for nearly 7 years before downtuning in 1971 to 1975. Oddly enough, 1976's "Technical ecstacy" & 1978's "Never Say Die" were in standard tuning again. So the widely told story that Tony started downtuning after his accident, is bollocks really.

[@DS-fg2nb]

The opening quote of this video is perfect

[@daitsy2476]

Black Sabbath will forever be one of my top favorite bands, I remember my first time hearing war pigs as a kid and it blew my mind so I learned guitar and figured out how to play all their songs, same with Metallica.

[@davesaenz3732]

Both you and Metallica are Black Sabbath fans. I am too. However, I lean towards Black Sabbath and Randy Rhoads with Ozzy.

[@doristel]

I was lucky enough to see him play on the Final Tour. Mesmerizing. Could not believe my ears !🤘

[@watamatafoyu]

How fitting that heavy metal was spurned by a brutal machinery accident.

[@Infamouswolf83]

that could not be a more perfect story for the creation of heavy metal with out being absolutely insane

[@ClintFarris-c3r]

No one can ever say they can’t play guitar after know this. My hats off to the guy deserves everything he has good for him.

[@priceyblackwinter2338]

"small little industrial town" Dude Birmingham is one of the the largest cities in England 😂

[@NickAbatino]

Great analogy for life. Awesome video!

[@davidnissim589]

He created the heavy metal sound because he got his fingers cut off in a factory accident. That's pretty metal.

[@silent5]

aww man, I was so invested that i thought it was an hour long documentary

[@jerryjohnston3844]

It's somewhat misleading to say that Tony Iommi single-handedly, (or partial-handedly) invented heavy metal. I would agree that this incident was clearly the impetus, it did change TI's sound and music significantly, but it was as much down to Geezer Butler and Bill Ward innovating and creating a sound to accompany Mr Iommi's unusual new sound, that truly "invented" the genre. Heavy Metal is dependant upon, and driven mainly by the rythm section, the Bass and the Drums, that is where the "heavy" comes from. You may fiddle around with the various and sundry other musical elements, and still have heavy metal. But minus the driving bass and hard charging, relentlessy pounding drums, it loses the designation.

[@huwguyver4208]

One of my favourite rock and roll stories of all time. As well as being inspirational as hell, it's also one of those real butterfly effect moments. Imagine how different the music landscape would be today if one of the most influential musicians of all time hadn't MacGyvered a way to deal with what would have been a career-ending injury for virtually anyone else. Then there is the whole limitations-inspire-creativity angle- if he hadn't lost his fingertips he wouldn't have been forced to reinvent his playing style, and it's unlikely that he would have arrived at the distinctive and awesome heavy guitar sound that we all know and love today. It's a testament to the level of passion for music that he had that he would come up with such a brilliant workaround. This is a feelgood story on so many levels.

[@jacobcrozier]

Generals gathered in their masses...

[@envioustunic6713]

Just like witches at black masses..

[@Mxulin]

@@envioustunic6713 evil minds that plot destruction...

[@nekoshka7985]

@@Mxulin sorcerer of death's construction...