Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi has been made an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the King’s Birthday Honours for his services to music and charity.
An MBE is awarded for an achievement or service within and for a community that is outstanding and has delivered sustained and real impact. They are awarded each year as part of the monarch’s birthday celebrations.
Not only is Iommi known for co-founding Sabbath, which paved the way for the heavy metal genre to expand and grow, he has also worked on humanitarian projects such as international disaster relief and cancer patient advocacy, after being diagnosed with lymphoma in 2012.
Speaking to the BBC, Iommi says it is an “unbelievable honour to receive an MBE”, adding: “Music has been my life and I’ve been very lucky to share this journey with many amazing people and fans. I’m very grateful for all the support along the way.
“It’s been a privilege doing something I love and then to see that music connect with so many over the years. And, to be able to help raise money for charities close to my heart has meant the world to me.”
Iommi learned of the news when he collected his mail upon returning from a holiday, and at first assumed the letter to be a speeding fine. You can watch his interview with the BBC below:
In other Iommi-associated news, Ozzy Osbourne’s son Jack has shared a fresh update on the long-awaited biopic about his father. Speaking during a livestream on his YouTube channel, Jack confirmed that the script is complete and the project is now actively moving forward.
“I can tell you this: we are moving ahead,” he said. “I was on calls today about it. The script is right there. We are good. This movie will absolutely happen.”
Rachel began writing for Guitar.com in 2021 while finishing up her degree. A proud DIY guitarist, she has been playing for over 10 years and has written for the likes of Kerrang!, The Forty-Five, and MusicTech. An enjoyer of all things heavy, you’ll find her at a festival or downtuning her guitars when away from her desk.