Iron Man: My Journey through Heaven and Hell with Black Sabbath

By: Tony Iommi

Narrated by: Bev Bevan

Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Iron Man chronicles the story of both pioneering guitarist Tony Iommi and legendary band Black Sabbath, dubbed "The Beatles of heavy metal" by Rolling Stone. Iron Man reveals the man behind the icon yet still captures Iommi's humor, intelligence, and warmth. He speaks honestly and unflinchingly about his rough-and-tumble childhood, the accident that almost ended his career, his failed marriages, personal tragedies, battles with addiction, bandmates, famous friends, newfound daughter, and the ups and downs of his life as an artist.

Everything associated with hard rock happened to Black Sabbath first: the drugs, the debauchery, the drinking, the dungeons, the pressure, the pain, the conquests, the company men, the contracts, the combustible drummer, the critics, the comebacks, the singers, the Stonehenge set, the music, the money, the madness, the metal.

©2011 Tony Iommi (P)2012 Tony Iommi

Absolutely wonderful person Tony Iommi

I absolutely loved the book well-written funny in parts I'm sad that it was over.

surprisingly informative

Having been born when Sabbath was in it's prime I never knew much about the successes, struggles, trials, and tribulations that the band and it's members experienced. Mr. Iommi's book has really changed that and I'm impressed with the recollection and storytelling that made this book. it had really helped me see things in a new light.

fantastic!!

great book by the father of heavy metal, Black Sabbath and Tony's contribution to this world are unbelievable.

Great book. I loved the stories and his resilience

I enjoyed this listen which I picked after listening to Geezer Butler’s book. It was interesting to hear the different points of view on some of the hijinks and concerts. The members of Sabbath are so positive and supportive about each other. It was really great to hear.

Wonderful

So interesting and fun!
Also
I could listen to Bev Bevan forever he does a great job !
Love you Tony!

Cool insight about the Hughes and Martin years

I found the period from 85 - 98 very interesting. Had to pull up my headless cross album and find a CD player. Some really underappricated albums that the book rediscovered for me!

Well done!

been a huge fan forever. Lots of good stories in a long career. Was very happy with the purchase.

Iommi the leader

I loved it. Thank God out of 4 of them someone has a little recaletyion. I found this book to be very good.Covers from Tony's childhood through the early 2000s in pretty good detail. It was great for him to explain all those different line up changes in the 90's.
imagine if it was read by Tomy himself like Rob Halford had dome.
What a treat that would of been. Was not crazy about the narrator but it was enjoyable. once you start these books it's impossible to put down. Especially a band like BS who even Iommi has said as soon as the concert was over they were gone.
No ever meet n greet w fans, radio interviews or just a conversation as to what's going on. Everything was always so secretive esp w no interet.

The audio book performance is Amazing!

I cannot believe how well the narrator did with the audio book. Bev Bevan is able to bring the book to life because of his close friendship with Tony Iommi. And of course the actual story in Tony's own words is a great first hand account of his Amazing career. My love for Sabbath is reborn. My only complaint is that the book is sparse on insight into Tony's guitar playing approach. Some may find that subject boring, but guitar geeks live for those kind of details.

Great band, Great book, awful narration

The title says what you need to know. If you can tolerate the narrator audibly swallowing, smacking his lips, and struggling to take a breath before speaking in halting sentences then you'll be fine. For others it will be too distracting. Hard to convey in text just how pervasive and annoying it is.

Agree with the other reviewer, please re-record this book. If you must use the same narrator (who is fine otherwise) then please use an engineer who can gate the body functions and a producer who can coach the narrator out of these studio no-no's. Sounds like he's eating fish and chips and sipping Guinness in between takes.