Black Sabbath guitarist to be honored in Birmingham

Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi will be inducted into Birmingham, England's Walk of Stars on Sunday, November 23rd. Iommi, who has been a member of Sabbath throughout the band's entire 40-year existence and numerous lineup changes, was born in the industrial British city and formed Sabbath there with singer Ozzy Osbourne, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward. The group, widely considered as the forefathers of heavy metal, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.

Iommi himself is considered one of the most influential rock guitarists of the last four decades, with countless players emulating his tone and style.

In a statement about the induction, Iommi said, "It's great -- it's really an honor -- I'm really proud of it...It's so nice being recognized in your hometown."

Iommi told us a while back that he intends to keep playing music as long as he can: [ Click to listen if you have a backstage pass] "I've always believed in what I do and I always ... the music for me has been a major part of my life. It's lovely just to be able to keep on doing it just to upset people. As long as I can do it, I'll do it -- and as long as I enjoy it. You've got to keep fit to do it at my age, so I'll have a go (at it)."

His bandmate, Ozzy Osbourne, was the first artist inducted into the Birmingham Walk of Stars when it opened in July 2007.

Iommi is currently recording a new album with Heaven and Hell, the Sabbath offshoot that features singer Ronnie James Dio. There are no plans at the moment for the original Sabbath lineup to do any recording.
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