Tony Iommi Named Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarist by Gibson

Tony Iommi Named Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarist by Gibson-

Black Sabbath axeman, TonyIommi has been named as the greatest heavy metalguitarist of all time by Gibson. 

The Birmingham born guitar legend tops a list which alsoincludes Metallica duo KirkHammett and James Hetfieldalong with the late great RandyRhoads.

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

Gibson say:

"Of all rock'n'roll's many styles metal is the most brutal. Nomatter the sub-genre, metal is held together by a reliance on loudriffing guitars and, of course, an inspiring leadguitarist.

"Tony's dark, distinct guitar textures in Black Sabbathhelped spearhead the heavy metal movement. Iron Man and Paranoidboast some of the most memorable riffs of all time, with crushinglyheavy choruses. His playing is immortalised through the generationsof 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