Black Sabbath’s native Birmingham, England is set to honor the metal pioneers next month, and at least one member of the band will be in attendance.
Tony Iommi confirmed via Facebook he will be attending the February 9 ceremony that will see a bridge named in honor of Sabbath, as well as the unveiling of a metal bench featuring the images of Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward. The ceremony will also feature the unveiling of Ward’s star on Birmingham’s Walk of Stars.
Iommi thanked Sabbath fans and Birmingham’s city council for recognizing the band in the following statement:
“I have to say, Black Sabbath fans are absolutely amazing – and I can’t thank you enough for all the support you’ve given us over the years. We’d also like to thank Birmingham council who have been putting this project together, which has involved so many people and a lot of hard work. I’ll be there in Birmingham on February 9 for the bridge naming, the bench unveiling and also the star presentation, which will be Bill Ward’s star. Unfortunately, Bill, Ozzy and Geezer won’t be attending that day because they do have other commitments. But if you don’t mind putting up with me, I’ll be there! So I hope to see you there”
Call it a hunch, but I’m sure Sabbath fans won’t mind “putting up with” Iommi on February 9.
This event isn’t the only major honor recently announced for Sabbath. The band will be receiving the GRAMMY Lifetime Achieve Award this year along with George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic, Billy Eckstine, Donny Hathaway, Julio Iglesias, Sam & Dave and Dionne Warwick. A special award ceremony and concert will be taking place May 11.
Erica Banas is rock/classic rock news blogger that loves the smell of old vinyl in the morning.
