Rock music has given the world many legendary friendships, but few are as meaningful as the bond between Queen’s Brian May and Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi. Recently, fans were delighted to learn that Brian May gave Tony Iommi an incredible early Christmas present — a left-handed replica of the famous Red Special guitar. This gift was not just about music, but about friendship, respect, and history.
Tony Iommi shared the news on Instagram, posting photos of the guitar and expressing his gratitude. The instrument was personally commissioned by Brian May and made especially for Tony, who is left-handed. According to Tony, the guitar took two years to complete, making it clear this was a deeply thoughtful and carefully planned gift.
The Story Behind the Red Special Guitar
The Red Special guitar is not just any guitar — it is one of the most iconic instruments in rock history. Brian May originally built the guitar in 1963 with his father, Harold May, when he was still a teenager. At the time, Brian could not afford popular guitars like Fender, Gibson, or Höfner, so he decided to build his own.
Using household materials and recycled parts, Brian and his father created a guitar that was truly unique. The Red Special was designed to create natural feedback and sustain, which later became a key part of Brian May’s signature sound with Queen. Over the years, Brian has used the Red Special almost exclusively, from Queen’s rise in the 1970s to massive stadium tours decades later.
A Custom Guitar for a Metal Legend
Tony Iommi’s version of the Red Special was built by Andrew Guyton, a highly respected guitar maker from Guyton Guitar Co. in Suffolk, England. Andrew specializes in handcrafted electric guitars, and this replica was made with great attention to detail — especially to suit Tony’s left-handed playing style.
Tony shared how Andrew personally delivered the guitar, making the moment even more special. In his Instagram post, Tony wrote:
“Huge thanks to my best friend @brianmayforreal and master builder Andrew Guyton for this incredible left-handed Red Special replica.
A true gift from Brian — Christmas came early!”
It’s clear that this guitar is more than just an instrument. It represents decades of friendship between two musicians who helped shape rock and heavy metal music.
A Friendship That Goes Beyond Music
Brian May and Tony Iommi have known each other for many years. Both are pioneers in their own genres — Brian with Queen’s melodic and theatrical rock sound, and Tony with Black Sabbath’s dark, heavy riffs that helped create heavy metal. Despite coming from different musical styles, they share mutual respect and admiration.
This gift shows how music connects people beyond fame and success. Brian May didn’t just give Tony a guitar — he gave him a piece of his own history, built with care, love, and friendship.
Final Thoughts
In a world where celebrity gifts are often flashy and expensive, this moment stands out because it is personal and meaningful. The left-handed Red Special replica is a symbol of creativity, loyalty, and lifelong friendship.
For fans of Queen, Black Sabbath, and rock music in general, this story is a beautiful reminder that behind the legends are real people who value friendship just as much as music. 🎶