Tony Iommi's Black Xmas
Guitar legend Tony Iommi was one of the founding members of heavy rock band Black Sabbath. With bassist Terry 'Geezer' Butler, drummer Bill Ward, and singer John 'Ozzy' Osbourne, Black Sabbath became and remain one of the world's greatest rock bands, releasing all-time classic albums including Paranoid, Master of Reality and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. Alongside Black Sabbath, Tony has worked on several solo projects - the most recent of which was last summer's critically-acclaimed album Fused. He has recently been inducted in the UK Music Hall of Fame, confirming his status as one of rock's most influential and enduring talents. This Christmas Day, Tony presents Black Xmas on Planet Rock from 6-8pm.
Welcome back to Planet Rock. What have you been up to since you were last on-air?
Probably the biggest thing would be the trip to New York just after the last series ended, for Black Sabbath's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I'll be telling everyone all about it, along with everything else that I've been up to when I get back on air on the 3rd of September.
Tell us about your show - what can the listeners expect?
F**king chaos I should think! A few different guests, one a week, and hopefully some good unsigned bands to play. I'll be picking tracks from some of my favourite guitarists and some of the bands that have supported us throughout the years. I'll also be talking about the history behind some of the Sabbath songs.
You've performed to thousands of people all around the world. But is there one gig that stands out for you above all the rest?
It's difficult to answer that as there are so many great shows. But the first time we played Madison Square Gardens on our first tour of America is one that sticks out. And California Jam.
Black Sabbath has had phenomenal success worldwide. But what other bands do you admire?
Some of the bands that have managed to stick it out for all these years. Queen would be one, plus Van Halen and Aerosmith.
And what other guitarists do you rate?
Eddie Van Halen. I think he is a great player. Plus Brian May and Jimi Hendrix.
What do you think the best rock track of all time is and why?
There are so many brilliant albums it would be unfair to try and pick one out of all the millions that are out there.