In an intimate conversation with Guitar World, Black Sabbath icon Tony Iommi opened up about his cherished memories of Eddie Van Halen and the transformative influence Eddie had on guitar playing. The discussion turned to Van Halen when Iommi was asked about the last guitarist to truly amaze him on a technical level.
“Eddie Van Halen was the first,” Iommi revealed. “When Van Halen toured with us early in their career, I could see he was onto something revolutionary. His style was so fresh and innovative for its time. Today, you can hear echoes of Eddie’s techniques in so many technical players. The interesting thing is that, like me, he didn’t rely on reading music—everything he created came straight from his heart and ears. He was inventing as he went, just by feel.”
Reflecting on modern guitar trends, Iommi contrasted today’s technical precision with his instinctive approach. “A lot of guitarists now are incredibly technical, hitting every note just right. That’s not my style. When I record a solo, it’s never the same live. I can’t replicate exactly what I played in the studio. Instead, I’ll go for something similar but fresh each time.”
Iommi’s admiration for Eddie was met with equal respect. Recalling their bond, Iommi reminisced about their time touring together. “Eddie was a wonderful guy, and we became really close on that tour, which lasted about eight months. We’d often stay at the same hotel, and he’d visit my room, where we’d spend hours talking. It was such a pleasure, and our friendship lasted through the years until his passing. He wasn’t just a phenomenal guitarist; he was a genuinely kind person who gave so much to our world.”
When asked about the possibility of having jammed together, Iommi shared a standout memory. “We did, actually. When Van Halen came to England, Eddie reached out while in Birmingham. I was rehearsing that day, so I invited him to join us. He loved the idea. I picked him up, and we stopped by a guitar shop so he could grab a guitar to play. When we showed up at rehearsal, the rest of the band—Tony Martin, Bobby Rondinelli, and Geezer—were stunned. ‘What’s going on?’ they asked. We ended up playing together, and it was an absolute blast.”
Through Iommi’s stories, we gain insight into the deep mutual respect and connection between these two guitar titans. Their friendship not only celebrated their shared love for music but also underscored the lasting legacy Eddie Van Halen left on the world of rock.
