The Metallica frontman called Iommi “the riff lord” and praised his songwriting on “Children of the Grave.”
Metallica frontman James Hetfield named Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi as the biggest influence on his rhythm guitar playing and songwriting during a radio show appearance. Calling Iommi “the riff lord,” Hetfield highlighted Black Sabbath’s “Children of the Grave” to demonstrate Iommi’s style, praising how the song is constructed around its main riff alongside its drum overdubs and ending guitar sounds.
The two bands share a history that includes Metallica inducting Black Sabbath into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in March 2006. On July 5 of last year, Metallica also performed a six-song set at Black Sabbath’s Back to the Beginning charity event, which included covers of the Sabbath tracks “Hole in the Sky” and “Johnny Blade.”
