🔥 TONY IOMMI x ROBBIE WILLIAMS?!
On this episode of Talking Guitars, we dive into one of the most unexpected rock collaborations ever — Black Sabbath legend Tony Iommi teams up with Robbie Williams on the track “Rocket” from Robbie’s new album Britpop! 🎸⚡ Iommi brings his iconic Gibson SG hellfire tone to this melodic and atmospheric tune, creating a heavy-meets-pop mashup that’s surprisingly killer. We break down the riffs, the feel, and why this obscure pairing works!
🎸 More guitars than usual? Yes please! Iommi’s touch adds weight and tone depth, elevating “Rocket” far beyond your typical pop-rock fare.
🎉 We also celebrate the 37th anniversary of Van Halen’s OU812 (released May 24, 1988)! It’s an often-overlooked gem of the Sammy Hagar era. We talk about the album’s legacy and dive into tracks like “Mine All Mine,” “Finish What Ya Started,” and the Cabo classic, “Cabo Wabo.”
Exclusively Van Halen: OU812 Anniversary Special! 11 Things You Didn't Know About the Album! 5/23/25 https://youtube.com/live/fXX0NhLMG78
🤘 Ron throws in a heavy metal history bomb — Helloween’s Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I turns 37 today too! It’s one of the most influential albums in power metal history, known for its epic melodies, shredding riffs, and high-flying vocals. If you know, you know.
📦 Then it’s time for a surprise guitar unboxing! Ron opens what we all thought was a real Gibson Les Paul… but surprise — it’s a copy! No sweat — Ron explains how he’s going to upgrade the parts, mod the electronics, and turn it into a killer guitar for a beginner in need. Huge respect for paying it forward! 🙌
🗣️ Plus — Is a Les Paul a good beginner guitar? The live chat weighs in with hot takes, personal stories, and solid advice. Spoiler: It depends on your style, weight preference, and budget!
🎸 Whether you’re into wild collabs, deep album anniversaries, or generous gear makeovers — this episode hits all the marks.
💬 Drop your thoughts in the live chat or comments! What do you think of Robbie and Iommi teaming up? Have a Van Halen OU812 favorite track? Ever been surprised by a guitar unboxing? We want to hear it all!
🎁 GEAR PICK OF THE WEEK:
🎸 Ernie Ball Strap Blocks 4-Pack – Secure your strap without mods!
Super easy to use and a must-have for any gig bag.
👉 Sweetwater: http://sweetwater.sjv.io/nXgvmV
👉 Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cX3Pjy
🌀 Dunlop EVH Tortex Frankenstein Picks (.60mm)
👉 Sweetwater: http://sweetwater.sjv.io/WyY0LA
🛠️ D’Addario Guitar Dock – The Best Portable Neck Rest
👉 Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cHpZGu
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📲 CONNECT WITH JOHNNY:
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🌐 Website: http://johnnybeane.com
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🎸 WELCOME TO TALKING GUITARS!
Your weekly backstage pass to all things tone, tech, and total madness. From vintage gear talk to modern mod tips, we’re bringing you live shows, giveaways, and a killer guitar community.
👉 Smash that LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and RING THE BELL so you never miss a riff.
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🎸 Hashtags:
#TonyIommi #RobbieWilliams #Rocket #Britpop #BlackSabbath #VanHalen #OU812 #SammyHagar #Helloween #KeeperOfTheSevenKeys #GibsonLesPaul #GuitarUnboxing #BeginnerGuitar #TalkingGuitars #JohnnyBeaneTV #GuitarCommunity #GuitarTalk #GuitarLegends #RockHistory #GearHeads #GuitarGear #GuitarRiffs