Rockstar Tony Iommi confirmed for next Pride of Birmingham

Black Sabbath's leader to be added to the supershow at Birmingham Town Hall. The Brummie rock legend will be among VIP guests at the gala ceremony staged at Birmingham Town Hall on October 2.

Tony will join former Hollyoaks actress Abi Phillips, Aston Villa legend Ian Taylor and Commonwealth Games golden girl Jodie Stimpson, who were confirmed for the show last week. Many more will be announced as we count down to the awards, organised by the Birmingham Mail in association with Virgin Trains, and hosted by Gaby Roslin.

Tony Iommi, currently appearing as a mentor in Sky Arts show Guitar Star, has been busy working up new songs for Black Sabbath and for his solo career. But he said he was delighted to be invited back to Pride of Birmingham after helping present an award at last year’s inaugural event.

“It was a fantastic night,” he said. “We heard amazing stories of people doing extraordinary things and I met some wonderful people. It was a privilege to be there. I’m looking forward to the night, and to reading about the nominees in the Birmingham Mail. It really is a special event for all concerned.”

Paul Cole for Birmingham Mail, 11 July 2015