In a heartfelt gesture reflecting decades of camaraderie, Queen guitarist Brian May has presented Black Sabbath legend Tony Iommi with a custom-built, left-handed replica of his iconic Red Special guitar.
The bespoke guitar, crafted over two years by master luthier Andrew Guyton, blends elements of May’s signature design with features tailored to Iommi’s playing style.
May, whose original Red Special has become synonymous with Queen’s sound, commissioned the personalized guitar to honor his longstanding friendship with Iommi, which has spanned more than five decades.
The new guitar retains the vintage construction and electronics of May’s classic design while incorporating a neck profile based on Iommi’s own Jaydee Old Boy guitar and a built-in treble booster favored by both artists.
Iommi shared his appreciation for the gift on social media, describing it as “a true gift” and acknowledging the effort and time that went into its creation.
The presentation of the guitar, celebrated as an early holiday moment, underscores the mutual respect and enduring bond between two of rock music’s most influential guitarists.
The exchange has drawn attention within the music community for its blend of personal sentiment and artistic heritage, underscoring how rock icons continue to influence and support one another outside of formal collaborations. While both musicians maintain active creative pursuits—May with ongoing projects and Iommi advancing his solo work—the gesture has fueled speculation among fans about potential future partnerships.
