MetalClassic Rock
Tony Iommi collected his MBE on 30 September at an investiture at Windsor Castle. The Princess Royal pinned on the insignia, and the honour was awarded for services to music and to charity.
“What an unbelievable honour to receive an MBE,” said the guitarist, who is 78. “Music has been my life and I’ve been very lucky to share this journey with many amazing people and fans.” On the other half of the honour he added that being able to raise money “for charities close to my heart has meant the world to me”.
The appointment had been made public in June, on the King’s Birthday Honours list, and has taken three and a half months to be handed over.
On the day of the ceremony itself he released “Stormwatcher”, the second single from “From The Dark”, the album he puts out on 23 October through BMG with the Norwegian Jørn Lande on vocals.
Text by Roger Estivill