Brian May Gifts Tony Iommi a Left-Handed Replica of His Legendary Red Special Guitar

Brian May surprises Tony Iommi with a custom left-handed Red Special replica, celebrating rock legends and guitar craftsmanship.

A Rock ‘n’ Roll Gift That Speaks Volumes

If you’ve ever admired the intricate craftsmanship of Brian May’s iconic Red Special guitar, wait until you hear about this heartwarming tribute to another rock legend. Queen’s Brian May has gifted Black Sabbath’s legendary guitarist Tony Iommi a meticulously crafted left-handed replica of the Red Special — a gesture steeped in friendship, respect, and pure rock ‘n’ roll spirit.

Brian May and Tony Iommi with the custom left-handed Red Special guitar.

The Story Behind the Red Special: A DIY Masterpiece

Before diving into the gift itself, let’s rewind to the origins of the Red Special. This guitar wasn’t just another instrument—it was born out of necessity and incredible ingenuity. In the early 1960s, a young Brian May, unable to afford a name-brand guitar, teamed up with his father Harold to build his own. Using mahogany sourced from an old fireplace mantle and an oak fingerboard adorned with mother-of-pearl buttons, they constructed a guitar that would become a sonic icon.

The Red Special wasn’t just May’s main stage companion throughout Queen’s rise in the ‘70s and ‘80s; it became inseparable from the band’s signature sound, its unique tone echoing through classic anthems like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Will Rock You.”

Tony Iommi’s Custom Left-Handed Red Special Replica: A Gift Two Years in the Making

Fast forward to December 2025, and Brian May has taken that legacy full circle by gifting Tony Iommi a left-handed replica of his famed Red Special. Iommi took to social media on December 9 to share his gratitude, posting photos of himself wielding this unique instrument.

He wrote:

“Huge thanks to my best friend @brianmayforreal and master builder Andrew Guyton @guyton_guitars for this incredible left-handed Red Special replica. Andrew personally delivered it last week – a true gift from Brian, two years in the making. Christmas came early!”

The guitar isn’t just a mirror image; it's crafted with Iommi’s unique style in mind. The replica’s body is built with the exact vintage construction of May’s original, but with a neck modeled after Tony’s iconic Jaydee Old Boy guitar. Featuring a built-in treble booster and vintage-style pots and pickups, it promises to replicate that classic tone that fans know and love.

Crafting the Perfect Replica: The Work of Andrew Guyton

Andrew Guyton, the master luthier behind this masterpiece, shared some insight on the build:

“It’s built with the exact vintage construction of Brian May’s original Red Special, but shaped to match Tony’s iconic Jaydee Old Boy neck. Features a built-in treble booster and authentic vintage-style pots and pickups to replicate the classic tone.”

This guitar isn't just a pretty face—it’s engineered for performance, marrying the distinct personalities of both May and Iommi’s playing styles into one instrument.

Brian May’s Latest Guitar Venture: The SJ-200 12-String Acoustic

May’s passion for guitar craftsmanship didn’t stop there. Earlier this year, he collaborated with Gibson to release a limited edition 12-string acoustic guitar, the Brian May SJ-200. Only 100 pieces were produced, boasting premium materials like AAA rosewood back and sides, a AAA Sitka spruce top, and a two-piece AAA maple neck.

Rocking Through Challenges: May’s Health and Queen’s Future

The past couple of years haven’t been without hurdles for Brian May. Last year, he suffered a minor stroke that took him by surprise, temporarily robbing him of control in one arm. While it was “a little scary,” May has been recovering steadily, and his wife Anita Dobson recently shared some insights into Queen’s touring plans.

Although new music is in the works with Adam Lambert, Dobson indicated that Queen is unlikely to resume large-scale tours, suggesting instead some smaller performances or “little bits and bobs” for fans to enjoy.

Tony Iommi’s Recent Spotlight: A Surprise Performance

Meanwhile, Tony Iommi has been keeping busy in his own way. In October, he made a surprise appearance at the Birmingham Royal Ballet’s “Black Sabbath – The Ballet” in London, delivering a stunning live guitar solo of “Paranoid.” Brian May was also in attendance, marking a joyous moment when these guitar titans crossed paths once again.

Remembering Ozzy Osbourne: The Passing of a Metal Legend

The rock world also mourned the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, Iommi’s longtime bandmate and dear friend, who passed away in July at the age of 76 due to a heart attack. His legacy lives on, intertwined with the music and memories of Black Sabbath and beyond.

Reliving the Magic: Watch Black Sabbath in Conversation

Rock Legends United by Music and Friendship

What a beautiful story this is—a testament to the bond between two iconic guitarists who shaped the soundtracks of generations. Brian May’s Red Special is more than wood and strings; it’s a symbol of ingenuity, perseverance, and friendship. And now, through his gift to Tony Iommi, that story continues, riff by riff.

FAQ

• How was Brian May’s original Red Special guitar created?
  Brian May and his father built the Red Special in the early 1960s using mahogany from a fireplace mantle and an oak fingerboard with mother-of-pearl buttons, crafting it by hand due to financial constraints.
• What makes the left-handed Red Special gifted to Tony Iommi special?
  It’s a vintage-accurate replica built to match Iommi’s play style, including a neck modeled after his Jaydee Old Boy guitar, and features like a built-in treble booster and vintage-style electronics.
• Has Brian May been active in making new guitars recently?
  Yes, earlier in 2025, Brian May collaborated with Gibson to launch a limited edition 12-string acoustic guitar, the Brian May SJ-200.
• What is the status of Queen’s touring with Adam Lambert?
  Despite working on new music, it’s unlikely that Queen will return to large-scale touring; smaller performances or special events might be on the horizon instead.
• Did Tony Iommi recently perform live?
  Yes, he made a surprise appearance in October at the Birmingham Royal Ballet's “Black Sabbath – The Ballet,” performing the iconic guitar solo from “Paranoid.”

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