Tony Iommi receives MBE at Windsor Castle

Tony Iommi received a Member of the Order of the British Empire at Windsor Castle on September 30, recognizing his services to music and charity. The Black Sabbath guitarist was presented with the honour by the Princess Royal at an investiture ceremony, after it was announced in the King’s Birthday Honours earlier this year. Iommi also released “Stormwatcher,” the second single from his forthcoming solo album, From the Dark. The album is scheduled for release on October 23, according to information accompanying the single’s release. In remarks reported after the ceremony, Iommi said the MBE was especially meaningful because it came from his own country. He also said his late Black Sabbath bandmate Ozzy Osbourne would have been pleased by the recognition. The award follows a career spanning decades as guitarist and co-founder of Black Sabbath, which Iommi formed with drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and singer Osbourne. The band became a major influence in heavy metal and released songs including “Paranoid” and “War Pigs.” Iommi has also supported charitable causes.