Queen’s guitarist Brian May recently joined forces with Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi to perform ‘Paranoid.’
Part of the Sky Arts documentary series ‘Greatest Guitar Riffs,’ the event premiered on January 3, 2024. The performance, which premiered on the Guitar World YouTube channel, was not just a regular rendition. It featured May adding a solo to the metal riff of ‘Paranoid.’
This collaboration brought together two influential guitarists in rock history, but it’s not the first time they collaborated. The two have been friends for a long time, and according to Iommi, they have jammed together on various occasions.
You can watch the performance below.
This Performance is a Part of a Documentary Series
The Sky Arts series, which aired over three consecutive nights from November 24 to November 26, is about the history and impact of some of the most renowned guitar riffs. Brian May hinted at the news back on May 18, 2023, with an Instagram post but didn’t give any specific details.
Apart from Iommi, it also features other guitarists such as Andy Summers of The Police and Nancy Wilson of Heart. This episode with May and Iommi focuses on the creation of Black Sabbath’s classic riffs and the genesis of heavy metal.
During the episode, viewers are treated to a conversation between May and Iommi, where the two are reflecting on their first meeting in the early 1970s and their friendship. Iommi also shares insights into the creation process of ‘Paranoid,’ which was a last-minute addition to Black Sabbath’s second album.
The Sky Arts documentary series is produced by Somethin’ Else TV, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, with Ian Sharpe as the executive producer. Phil Edgar-Jones, director of Sky Arts, has described the series as an exploration of the best guitar riffs ever written, presented by guitar legends.
May and Iommi Have Upcoming Projects
In addition to this performance, both guitarists have been busy with their individual projects. Tony Iommi has been working on new music, likely for an upcoming solo album, and has announced the release of a Tony Martin-era Black Sabbath box set in May. Brian May, on the other hand, is preparing for a series of concerts in Japan with Queen + Adam Lambert scheduled for February.
