Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has collaborated with renowned English photographer Ross Halfin to compile a 340-page art book that documents his entire career, from the early days of Sabbath to his celebrated, groundbreaking work with the Birmingham Royal Ballet on Black Sabbath – The Ballet.
Iommi – The Photographs is published by Rufus Publications and features written contributions from Ozzy Osbourne, Iommi’s longtime friend Brian May of Queen, Metallica frontman James Hetfield and Pantera singer Phil Anselmo.
“If someone asked me who the leader of Black Sabbath was, it would be Tony, right?” writes Ozzy. “Of course we all contributed something, but without Tony’s riffs we wouldn’t have stood a chance.”
The book will be available in both standard and deluxe signature limited editions. Each deluxe signature edition is personally hand-signed by Iommi. This deluxe edition is numbered from 1 to 500 copies worldwide. The book costs £250 plus postage, but pre-orders before July 31st will have the price reduced to £200.
The standard edition contains the same content as the deluxe edition with a printed hardcover and slipcase. This edition costs £99 and is reduced to £80 plus worldwide delivery if ordered before 31st July.
Delivery of the book is planned for the end of October.
Iommi says, “I really appreciate all the work Ross did as photographer and editor of the book. These photos represent my career and the memories they conjure up remind me of what an amazing journey we’ve been on. So many times I looked down from the stage and saw Ross in the middle of the mosh pit, fighting for his corner to get just the right shot. Cheers Ross, the book is a testament to our long friendship and the many pivotal moments in my life that you captured.”
In his introductory text, Brian May says: “Ross Halfin has taken pictures of Tony in a variety of settings over the years, as you will see in this book. The images show a man with great power and presence, as befits a giant riff master.”
Check out a selection of the photos in the following video:
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