The year 2026 is kicking off with a thunderous tribute to the man who quite literally invented the “riff.” Gibson Films has officially pulled back the curtain on its most ambitious project yet: Iommi: The Godfather of Heavy Metal, Volume One. Now streaming worldwide on Gibson TV, this exclusive docuseries explores the life and legacy of Tony Iommi, the Birmingham-born guitar pioneer whose dark, heavy tones forged a global movement and redefined the boundaries of rock music.
The first chapter of this series takes us back to the gray, industrial landscape of Birmingham, England. As the psychedelic “Summer of Love” began to fade in the late 1960s, a new, more menacing sound emerged from the factories and smokestacks. Tony Iommi was its chief architect. The documentary chronicles his working-class upbringing and the formation of Black Sabbath, detailing how Iommi’s uncompromising vision turned a spirit of rebellion into a musical language that has united millions of fans across generations.
What makes this docuseries truly essential viewing is the sheer breadth of artists who stepped forward to pay homage to the “Riff Lord.” Volume One features exhaustive interviews with a star-studded lineup, including Brian May, Slash, and Zakk Wylde. Notably, modern icons like YUNGBLUD join the conversation, alongside disciples such as Scott Ian, Phil Anselmo, and Tom Morello. Each shares personal stories of how Iommi’s music acted as a foundational spark for their own careers, proving that whether it’s thrash, doom, or alternative rock, all roads in heavy music eventually lead back to Iommi.
As Gibson CEO César Gueikian puts it, Iommi is “El Padrino”—the creator and sonic architect who started it all. This release isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a celebration of an artist who continues to resonate with fans today. With further installments of the docuseries scheduled throughout 2026, music lovers have a front-row seat to the definitive story of the man who brought darkness into the light of the mainstream.
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