The frontman cited Iommi as the single biggest influence on his rhythm guitar playing and songwriting.
During an episode of James Hetfield’s Riff Life, Metallica frontman James Hetfield named Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi as his primary musical influence, referring to him as the “riff lord.” Hetfield stated that Iommi inspired his rhythm playing and songwriting more than any other guitarist. He specifically highlighted Black Sabbath’s track “Children of the Grave,” praising Iommi’s central riff and giant chords alongside the song’s drum overdubs and ending guitar sounds.
Hetfield’s admiration for the band began in his childhood when he discovered Black Sabbath through his older brother’s record collection, an experience he noted in a 1992 interview with Guitar World. Decades later, Metallica demonstrated their ongoing respect for the group by helping induct Black Sabbath into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2006, where Metallica performed “Hole In The Sky” and “Iron Man.”
