Rock & Metal

BILLY CORGAN: ‘TONY IOMMI Was Such A Pioneering Guitarist And A Visionary’

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In a recent interview with Wall Of Sound, SMASHING PUMPKINS frontman Billy Corgan was asked which BLACK SABBATH album he would choose if he were only allowed one as humanity boarded a spaceship to escape the planet. Corgan’s choice was Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, a 1973 release that stands as one of the band’s most critically acclaimed albums. Corgan’s admiration for SABBATH is rooted in his deep respect for Tony Iommi’s groundbreaking guitar work, which he believes was not only pioneering but visionary. He highlighted how Iommi revolutionized the concept of the riff, making it an essential, atmospheric, and cinematic element of the music. This approach, Corgan noted, was a turning point for the band, marking a shift from their earlier, more traditional heavy and doomy sound to something that felt more experimental and artistic.

Corgan further explored his love for Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, explaining that in the mid-‘70s, SABBATH began to push the boundaries of rock music in a way that attracted a different kind of respect, particularly from alternative musicians. He pointed out that while early SABBATH had a bluesy, doom-laden sound, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath represented a significant artistic evolution. The album’s experimentation, particularly in its musical textures and the interplay of atmosphere and riff, contributed to SABBATH’s enduring influence across genres, even among artists like rappers and alternative rock musicians. Corgan’s reflection indicates that for him, this particular phase of SABBATH’s evolution is the most fascinating and the one that resonates the most with his own creative sensibilities.

In the same interview, Corgan also addressed his thoughts on Vol. 4, SABBATH’s 1972 album, which was famously recorded under the influence of heavy drug use. He shared a conversation he had with Iommi, where he asked why the album sounded so “weird.” Iommi candidly explained that the band was living in the hills of Los Angeles at the time, and they were frequently under the influence of drugs when they recorded. According to Iommi, this chaotic and unstructured environment directly impacted the sound of the album, contributing to its strange and unconventional qualities. Despite these challenges, Corgan acknowledged that Vol. 4 remains a distinctive album in SABBATH’s discography, in part because of its willingness to experiment and take creative risks, even as the band members struggled with personal demons.

Corgan’s admiration for SABBATH goes beyond their early sound and albums like Sabbath Bloody Sabbath and Vol. 4. He has long credited the band with shaping his own musical perspective, especially when it comes to creating guitar riffs. He explained that Iommi’s riffs had a profound impact on him, making him feel like he was “peering into the universe,” an experience he described as “Cosmic Sabbath.” This feeling of vastness and depth is something Corgan has tried to capture in his own music. For Corgan, the hallmark of a great riff is its ability to evoke something much larger than the song itself, something that resonates with the listener on a cosmic or emotional level. He compared the power of a good riff to the way some of metal’s greatest bands, like JUDAS PRIEST, SABBATH, and ACCEPT, have been able to “own the space” with their music, creating a sense of belief and authenticity that transcends mere technicality.

Lastly, Corgan reflected on his involvement with Tony Iommi’s 2000 solo album Iommi, where he contributed vocals to the song “Black Oblivion.” This collaboration highlights the deep respect between the two musicians, as Corgan has long considered Iommi one of his greatest influences. His admiration for Iommi’s work, particularly the way SABBATH’s music has impacted him personally, underscores the profound connection he feels to the band and their enduring legacy in the world of rock and metal music.

I'm Emma. I Love rock music, doing guitar reviews, and making food. I love writing works because it is the best way to provide information to people.

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