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In the second instalment of our online Tony Iommi interview, the metal legend talks about the simplistic beauty of 'Paranoid', how bass players haven't really progressed since the 60s, and why jazz and blues are his go-to genres.

Interview: David West

Master Of Puppets

Are there any guitarists or musicians around nowadays who have captured your ear?

"Musicians have gotten very good. There are a lot of great drummers out there. Bass players I've found a little stagnant, they haven't developed that much. They don't stand out like the Jack Bruce's of the day, the players who could REALLY play. Bass players don't do a lot and that's no disrespect to them, they're doing what they feel is right for their music, but drummers have certainly improved over the years and guitar players too."

Do you discover new talent from watching bands who support you on tour?

"There are some really good bands around, but on tour I don't really get time to go out and watch them. Before I go onstage I have to do a lot of fiddling about because of my thimbles [Iommi wears them over his injured finger tips]. I have to make sure they are right and rub them down. I also have to play for longer to loosen up because of all the problems I've had with my hand stiffening. I don't have the luxury of going out and listening to bands for an hour, so I'd sooner go out and see somebody when I'm not on tour. I went to see Metallica a few times, I like them."

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