Gibson Films has a new docuseries lined up for 2026, and it puts the spotlight where it belongs: on Tony Iommi, the riff writer who set heavy metal’s DNA in motion. The series is titled “Tony Iommi: The Godfather Of Heavy Metal,” and it’s set to stream exclusively on Gibson TV throughout 2026, starting with the worldwide premiere of Volume One, which you can watch below.
The angle here is origin and impact. The story runs from Birmingham’s factory-town grit to arenas and festival stages, following Tony Iommi from his early years into the moment Black Sabbath became the template. Volume One also leans into the aspect that matters to players: how his tone, tuning choices, and riff-first writing style became the blueprint that countless bands built upon.
Interviews are a big part of the hook. Volume One features Tony Iommi alongside a heavy lineup of guitar heroes and scene lifers: Brian May, Slash, Zakk Wylde, Yungblud, Scott Ian, John 5, Philip Anselmo, and Blackie Lawless. There are also appearances by Tom Morello and Troy Van Leeuwen, as well as a firsthand perspective from notable Birmingham names, including Rob Halford and Justin Broadrick.
Tony Iommi summed up his side of it without overplaying the moment: “I’m very grateful to Gibson for this new documentary series and for honoring my role in the story of heavy metal”. He also added, “Hearing the kind words from so many incredible artists is really humbling. Thank you all for telling the story with such heart—and to the fans who’ve kept it alive. Long may it continue!”
From the Gibson camp, the praise is loud and specific. Cesar Gueikian – President and CEO of Gibson – put it in plain terms: “Tony Iommi is the godfather of heavy metal — the creator, the sonic architect, the rifflord who started it all. El Padrino, as I like to call him”. He followed that with: “It’s an incredible honor for all of us at Gibson to pay tribute to Tony with this epic Gibson Films release.”
The Director of Brand Experience at Gibson, Mark Agnesi, pointed to a familiar pattern anyone in metal journalism has seen up close: “No matter what regional metal scene or sub genre we explored, every artist we interviewed always pointed the finger back to Tony,” and then drove the point home with, “He is the Riff Lord!!!!”
Producer Todd Harapiak framed the series as both tribute and lineage tracking: “Tony Iommi remains the undisputed godfather of heavy metal. Through his iconic riffs and uncompromising vision, he gave birth to a sound that was rooted in darkness and became the foundation for generations of musicians.” Then he added, “It’s been truly remarkable to have so many artists unite for this series and hear how Black Sabbath changed the course of their musical lives. The Godfather Of Heavy Metal not only celebrates the journey of Lord Iommi and Sabbath but also shines a light on the stories of the countless bands who carried their torch forward.”
There’s also a forward-looking note for anyone waiting on new music. In a year-end video message, Tony Iommi said he will “definitely, definitely” release his new solo album in 2026. He kept it simple after that: “I’m really looking forward to that,” and “I’m enjoying doing it, and it’s been great fun, and I really hope you enjoy it.”
