The former Ten Years After frontman died as a result of complications from a routine medical procedure at the age of 68.

While Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler and former drummer Bill Ward paid their own tributes last week, Iommi has discussed his memories of Lee in more detail.

"I was extremely saddened to hear of Alvin's death," Iommi told the Birmingham Mail. "It was a great shock. I had not known that he was ill. Alvin was a really great guitar player but, more importantly, has been a good friend of Black Sabbath over the years."

"In the early days, when we were still going by the name of Earth, it was Alvin who helped us get some gigs. He'd been out there a bit before us, and knew the ropes," Iommi said.