Black Sabbath Guitarist Tony Iommi Turns 64

Today (Feb. 19) marks the 64th birthday of legendary Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, hailed by many as the godfather of heavy metal music.

It's been a tough year for Iommi in 2012. After reuniting with the original Black Sabbath lineup in 2011, he was diagnosed with lymphoma. However, Iommi continues to record Sabbath's reunion album with singer Ozzy Osbourne and bassist Geezer Butler (drummer Bill Ward is currently not partaking in the reunion due to a contract dispute). Unfortunately, Sabbath recently had to cancel all of their scheduled tour dates, save for one, as Iommi attempts to battle his way to good health.

But today, on Iommi's birthday, we celebrate his glorious career. As the guitarist for arguably heavy metal's greatest band, Iommi's innovative playing paved the way for thousands of metal musicians that would follow in his footsteps. From Black Sabbath's landmark debut self-titled album to their classic sophomore disc 'Paranoid' to the current day, Iommi has laid down some of the most memorable riffs in heavy metal history.

Watch Iommi in action in the following video and wish him a happy birthday in the comments section below.