Tony Iommi gets his second Ivor Novello Award

Tony Iommi, together with his mates Geezer Butler and Bill Ward accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Ivor Novello Awards, held on Thursday, May 21 at London, England's Grosvenor House. It's actually the second Ivor Novello Award for Tony, he got his first one in 2003 for the Best Selling UK Single "Changes".

Tony Iommi picked up the trophy on Black Sabbath's behalf, and confirmed the band will embark on its "final tour" next year. Black Sabbath accepted the award from Queen's Brian May - Tony's best friend.

Bill Ward stated: "It's been a good 40 years. At least, I think it has." Asked where singer Ozzy Osbourne was, Tony Iommi said: "I don't know, I think he's got a hospital appointment or something." Speaking to the press backstage after accepting the award, Ward said it was great to see Iommi and Butler again, but admitted he felt "very uncomfortable" knowing they had been touring and recording without him since reforming the band in 2011. He added: "I hope that can change."

Given each year, The Ivors, presented by the British Academy of Composers & Songwriters in association with The Performing Rights Society (PRS), are given to celebrate British songwriting and acknowledge the music of the previous twelve months. Now in its 60th year, is the only British awards ceremony which specifically honors the songwriter.

Congratulations, dear Tony! Your fans are immensely happy for you! You deserve millions of awards!

Blabbermouth.net, 22 May 2015