Black Sabbath founder Tony Iommi receives MBE and says film of Ozzy's final concert is 'difficult to watch'

From the Newshound archive · first published 1 October 2026.

Tony Iommi, co-founder of Black Sabbath and nicknamed the Godfather of Heavy Metal, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle on Wednesday for services to music and charity. He said the honour was "very special" because it came from England, and believed Ozzy Osbourne "would have been pleased". The upcoming film of Black Sabbath's farewell concert at Villa Park in Birmingham is set for release next month.

Osbourne suffered a reported heart attack and died at 76, fewer than three weeks after the Back To The Beginning concert last year.

Iommi, 78, said he has watched the concert footage only twice, finding it 'emotional' because of the band's close relationship.

Since Osbourne's death, Iommi says life has been 'up and down' — but he has kept busy, including playing on Robbie Williams's album.