Story perspectives

Tony Iommi Awarded MBE, Freedom of Birmingham After Sabbath Farewell

6/14/2026

Summary

Tony Iommi Honored

Tony Iommi received an MBE for services to music and charity after Black Sabbath’s farewell concert at Villa Park and weeks after Ozzy Osbourne’s death at 76.
Rod Smallwood (OBE), Nadia Khan (MBE), Carl Cox (OBE) and Helen Mirren (Companion of Honour) were also honoured.
He appeared on Robbie Williams’ single “Rocket” and received the Freedom of Birmingham, planning a solo album for 2026.

Summary

Tony Iommi Awarded

Tony Iommi received Birmingham’s Lord Mayor’s Award in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours.
Birmingham City Council said heavy metal enriches millions of lives and boosts the city’s reputation.
After his 2012 lymphoma diagnosis, Iommi has campaigned for cancer research, patient support and disaster-relief work.
The honours list recognised nearly 1,200 individuals in arts, sport and public service, including England’s Women’s Euro-winning football team members who received MBEs.

Summary

Black Sabbath Reunion

The concert at Villa Park reunited the original Black Sabbath lineup for their first live show in two decades.
An inflatable Ozzy greeted fans on the Holte End while Jason Momoa and Steven Tyler co-hosted.
Mastodon opened the show, followed by Anthrax in “Sabbath Bloody Anthrax” shirts covering “Into the Void.”
Yungblud’s supergroup performed “Changes” for Diogo Jota, after which Ozzy Osbourne ended set by flipping the bird at Ross Halfin.

History

Historical Context

On 13 July 1985 Bob Geldof and Midge Ure staged Live Aid, a dual-venue concert that broadcast worldwide and sparked the modern charity-concert model. Queen’s 21-minute set at Wembley, beginning at 6:41 pm, became iconic and was later voted the greatest live rock gig in 2005. The event’s legacy continues in 2024’s “Just for One Day” musical and ongoing global fundraising efforts.

1 of 4

Tony Iommi Honored

Tony Iommi received an MBE for services to music and charity after Black Sabbath’s farewell concert at Villa Park and weeks after Ozzy Osbourne’s death at 76.
Rod Smallwood (OBE), Nadia Khan (MBE), Carl Cox (OBE) and Helen Mirren (Companion of Honour) were also honoured.
He appeared on Robbie Williams’ single “Rocket” and received the Freedom of Birmingham, planning a solo album for 2026.

1 / 4