The Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan shared his deep admiration for Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi in a recent interview with Wall Of Sound, praising him as a revolutionary force in metal music.
When asked which Black Sabbath album he would save in a hypothetical doomsday scenario, Corgan chose 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath', highlighting how Iommi transformed the role of guitar riffs in rock music.
"Tony pioneered the idea of a riff becoming part of the song in a way that was almost atmospheric and cinematic," Corgan explained. He noted that around 1974-75, Sabbath's sound took an artistic turn that he describes as "almost alternative Sabbath," which helped the band gain credibility among alternative musicians and even rappers.
During the interview, Corgan also revealed an interesting conversation he had with Iommi about Black Sabbath's peculiar-sounding fourth album, 'Vol. 4'. According to Iommi, the unique sound stemmed from the band's lifestyle while recording in the Los Angeles hills, where daily drug use influenced their creative process.
Corgan, who had the opportunity to work with Iommi on his solo record, expressed his deep connection to Black Sabbath, calling them his "favorite band ever." He praised the band's evolving sound across their discography, noting how each album offered something different, even during their later years with Ozzy Osbourne.
The Smashing Pumpkins leader's insights shed light on Black Sabbath's lasting influence on modern music, particularly highlighting Iommi's innovative approach to guitar playing that helped shape the foundation of heavy metal.
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