Watch Brian May and Tony Iommi Play “Paranoid”

In a candid chat about riffs, legendary guitarists Tony Iommi and Brian May talk about their long friendship and the creation of one of the most iconic songs in rock history, “Paranoid.” Reflecting on their first meeting in the early ’70s, Iommi recalls a jam session that turned into a memorable moment. “I don’t remember,” Iommi jokes as May recalls jamming together. “Tony came down to one of our rehearsals, and we were jamming away. Gradually, as we played, everyone else got bored and left. They all went to the pub, and it was just us two,” May laughs.

The Birth of “Paranoid”

When asked about the inspiration behind Black Sabbath’s smash hit “Paranoid,” Iommi reveals how it all came together under pressure. “We didn’t have enough songs to fill the album, so the producer said, ‘We need another song.’ I said, ‘We don’t have another song!’ Then he said it had to be under two and a half minutes.” Iommi continued:

“The others had gone out to eat, and I came up with this riff. When they got back, I played them ‘Paranoid.’”

The Power of Simplicity

The magic behind “Paranoid” lies in its simplicity. Iommi emphasizes, “It’s basic, it’s not technical. I don’t try to play anything flashy, just what feels right for the song.” He adds, “It’s really hard to come up with simple riffs, but when you get it right, it just clicks.” Both guitarists agree that the best riffs are the ones that speak to the heart of the song, not necessarily the most complicated.

“Paranoid,” released in 1970, remains one of Black Sabbath’s greatest hits, embodying their heavy, raw sound. With its punchy, straightforward riff and energetic pace, it still stands as a timeless classic in rock music.

Watch the video below: