Guitar Magazine Christmas 1998 Black Sabbath Tony Iommi Ozzy Osbourne SKU 1551

Original Guitar Magazine, Christmas 1998, Volume 9 Number 4, featuring Black Sabbath prominently on the front cover, with Tony Iommi and Ozzy Osbourne pictured together.

This is a strong late-1990s heavy rock / guitar collector issue, especially appealing to fans of Black Sabbath, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, classic heavy metal, vintage guitar magazines and guitar gear collecting.

The issue is also billed as the magazine’s “Thrill-Packed 100th Issue”, giving it added collector interest.

Main Cover Features

The dominant feature is Black Sabbath, with Tony Iommi holding an electric guitar alongside Ozzy Osbourne.

Other clearly advertised content includes:

• Steve Cropper – Classics Transcribed
• 1998 Gear of the Year
• P90 Special
• Gibson
• PRS
• Music Man
• Washburn
• Peavey
• Lexicon
• Competition to win a Patrick Eggle / Iommi guitar
• Christmas stocking / gear feature
• Extensive guitar and equipment reviews

The magazine presents a very guitar-heavy mix of artist features, transcriptions, gear testing and late-1990s instrument coverage.

Black Sabbath / Tony Iommi Feature

For Black Sabbath collectors, this is a particularly attractive issue because the band receives the principal cover treatment rather than just a small contents mention.

Tony Iommi is shown front and centre with a dark electric guitar, while Ozzy Osbourne appears beside him. The combination makes this a strong period piece from the late 1990s, especially for collectors interested in Sabbath, Ozzy, Iommi and the broader history of heavy metal guitar.

The wording “Black Sabbath” dominates the front cover and makes the issue immediately recognisable when displayed.

Guitar & Gear Content

A major part of this issue is its 1998 Gear of the Year coverage, looking back at notable guitar equipment from the year.

The cover also advertises a P90 Special, with well-known guitar and equipment manufacturers including Gibson, PRS, Music Man, Washburn, Peavey and Lexicon.

There is also a Steve Cropper Classics Transcribed feature, giving the magazine extra appeal for players as well as collectors.

Overall, this issue combines:

• Heavy metal history
• Classic rock guitar
• Guitar transcription material
• Vintage gear reviews
• Guitar manufacturers and equipment
• Late-1990s guitar culture
• Anniversary / 100th-issue collectability

Condition

Used vintage condition.

From the supplied image, the magazine looks quite presentable overall for its age, but does show visible handling and storage wear.

Visible points include:

• Light surface rubbing and general handling marks to the front cover.
• Minor edge wear around the perimeter.
• Small areas of corner wear.
• Light wear along the spine edge.
• Slight waviness / curvature to the magazine from storage.
• A few small surface marks and light scuffs are visible on the glossy cover.
• The top edge shows minor wear.
• Bottom corners and lower edge show light rubbing.
• Cover colours remain strong and the main Black Sabbath imagery and text remain very clear.
• No large front-cover tears or major missing sections are visible in the supplied image.

This should be considered a used collectible copy rather than mint or near-mint. Please study the photograph carefully as it forms an important part of the condition description.

Important – Original Extras

The top of the cover states:

“Includes Wheel & Deal – The Bargain Hunter’s Bible!”

There is also a competition / promotional reference connected with a Patrick Eggle Iommi guitar.

Any supplements, loose inserts, promotional gifts, competition materials, posters, CDs, booklets or other items that may originally have accompanied the magazine are NOT included unless clearly shown in the listing photographs.

The sale is for the magazine shown only.

Packaging

UK orders: Sent securely in a hardback envelope.

International orders: Sent in a cardboard mail-size box for additional protection in transit.

SKU: 1551