░B░R░E░A░K░I░N░G░: Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi P…read more 👇
After months of speculation about his musical plans for 2026, Tony Iommi has once again expressed strong admiration for fellow rock pioneers Deep Purple. Often mentioned alongside Black Sabbath as key architects of heavy metal, Iommi has long praised the band’s powerful sound especially the legendary Mark II lineup.
This time, the famed “Riffmaster General” highlighted one standout track from Deep Purple’s iconic 1970 album In Rock that he says is incredibly difficult to top: the explosive opener Speed King.
A Classic That Helped Shape Rock
The praise comes as Iommi prepares for the release of his long-awaited solo album later this year. Reflecting on the artists who helped shape the hard-rock era, he noted that while Black Sabbath were developing their darker, heavier sound in Birmingham, Deep Purple were pushing musical intensity and technical skill to new heights.
Speaking to Classic Rock, Iommi revealed that In Rock remains his favorite Deep Purple album, packed with unforgettable tracks and powerful riffs. Among them, “Speed King” stands out for its relentless energy and unforgettable groove.
He pointed out how the song showcases the talents of the entire band from the soaring vocals of Ian Gillan to the distorted Hammond organ brilliance of Jon Lord creating a sound that would later influence faster and heavier metal styles.
The Long-Standing Sabbath–Purple Connection
The admiration between the camps goes beyond simple respect. The two legendary bands share a long history, including Gillan’s stint as the vocalist for Black Sabbath on the 1983 album Born Again, a project Iommi still remembers for its raw, heavy sound.
Although Ritchie Blackmore developed a more neo-classical guitar style compared to Iommi’s thick, detuned riffs, the Sabbath founder has always respected the precision and technical brilliance displayed in “Speed King.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
With a new solo record on the horizon his first full studio album since Fused in 2005 Iommi’s praise for “Speed King” reflects the high standards he still sets for great rock songwriting. For a guitarist responsible for some of the most iconic riffs in music history, calling a song “hard to beat” is perhaps the highest compliment possible.
