Awards & Acknowledgements

Below is the list of awards collected by Tony Iommi during the extended career with his band Black Sabbath as well as for his personal contribution to the field of music.

 Below is the list of awards collected by Tony Iommi during the extended career with his band Black Sabbath as well as for his personal contribution to the field of music.

Black Sabbath was immortalized on Hollywood’s RockWalk, 18 November 1992.

Hollywood Guitar Center’s RockWalk is situated on Sunset Boulevard location in Los Angeles, CA, United States. It hosts a hall of fame honouring musical artists by placing their handprints into cement blocks that are put on display at the Guitar Center. It was created as ‘’a permanent way of honouring those individuals and bands who made a lasting an important contribution to music.’’;

Black Sabbath was inducted into UK Music Hall Of Fame in 2005.

Black Sabbath, inducted by Brian May of Queen, were honoured for their lifetime contributions to music in the United Kingdom. The inductees were selected by a panel of 60 rock journalists and people from the music industry. Together with Sabbath were also inducted musicians and groups as Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, The Who, The Kinks, Judas Priest and others;

Black Sabbath was inducted into USA Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 2006.

The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame based in Cleveland, Ohio, is the most prestigious honour for contributions to music in the United States. The induction criteria include consideration of twenty five years passed from the time of a first record, and "the influence and significance of the artist's contributions to the development and perpetuation of rock and roll." A committee consists of 70 rock journalists, historians, and music industry executives choosing the nominees from the list of eligible bands and artists. The nominees' names are placed on ballots and sent to an international group of about 700 voting "rock experts", representatives of all areas of the music industry for consideration. Black Sabbath was inducted by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich of Metallica, performing Sabbath's songs "Hole In The Sky" and "Iron Man." . During the ceremony Lars Ulrich said: "When you say Heavy Metal, you might as well say, ‘’Music derivative of Black Sabbath.’’ Together with Sabbath were also inducted Lynyrd Skynyrd, Miles Davis, Herb Alpert, Jerry Moss and others;

Black Sabbath wins Grammy for the song ‘’Iron Man’’ as The Best Metal Performance in 2000.

The Grammy Awards is an annual ceremony, held in Los Angeles, where honours in several categories are presented by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to "honor artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry, without regard to album sales or chart position". The National Academy recognized heavy metal music artists for the first time at the 31st Grammy Awards in 1989. The Award for Best Metal Performance was presented to recording artists for songs and albums containing quality performances in the heavy metal music genre.

After 30 years from the original recording on album ‘’Paranoid’’, Black Sabbath was awarded a Grammy for "Iron Man" released live on ‘’Reunion’’ album in 1998. Iommi’s band beated other artists as Ministry, Motörhead, Nine Inch Nails and Rob Zombie;

Tony Iommi received an Ivor Novello nomination for the song ‘’Changes’’ in 2003.

The Ivor Novello Awards, named after the Cardiff born entertainer Ivor Novello, are awards for songwriting and composing. They are presented annually in London by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA) and were first introduced in 1955. The award is respected worldwide as the ‘’major platform for recognizing and rewarding Britain's songwriting and composing talents, and remains the only award ceremony in the musical calendar that is not influenced by publishers and record companies but judged and presented by the writing community’’. As one of the writers of “Changes”, Tony Iommi received his nomination when the song competed in the category Best Selling UK Single following the 2003 cover released by Ozzy & Kelly Osbourne;

Tony Iommi received Classic Rock Roll Honour Award in 2006.

Awarded by the music magazine Classic Rock on Metal Guru category celebrates Iommi’s long-standing services to the cause of heavy metal. Metal Guru is for ‘’Artists who have stood proud and tall while others might have wavered.’’;

Tony Iommi received Metal Hammer’s Golden Gods Award, 14 June 2010.

Rock magazine Metal Hammer gave it’s Golden Gods Award on the category Best Album to Tony Iommi for his ‘’The Devil You Know’’ with Heaven & Hell project at Indigo O2 venue in London, United Kingdom;

Black Sabbath received Kerrang! Inspiration Award, 7 June 2012.

Kerrang! Rock Magazine’s Awards are held at the Brewery in London, England. Tony Iommi along with his Sabbath mates Ozzy Osbourne and Geezer Butler was honoured with ‘’Inspiration’’ category for their ‘’immeasurable impact on heavy rock.’’;

Tony Iommi received a Classic Rock Roll Of Honour Award, 10 November 2010.

Tony Iommi along with his Sabbath mate Geezer Butler was awarded by Classic Rock magazine in category Metal Guru;

Tony Iommi honoured with a Star at Birmingham's Walk of Stars, 23 November 2008.

The criteria for a person to have their star added to the walk include that they must have performed at one of Birmingham's major venues such as the International Convention Centre (ICC), National Indoor Arena (NIA), Symphony Hall and The Rep theatre. They must also be originally from the area or have prominent links with Birmingham and the Midlands region. The city honours the residents who have made a significant contribution in the categories of music, television, film, radio, theatre, sport, business and literacy. The Broad Street Business Improvement District of Birmingham has announced that ‘’Heaven & Hell guitarist, founding member of Black Sabbath, Grammy Award winner and King of Heavy Metal Tony Iommi is honoured on the Broad Street Walk of Stars.’’

Tony Iommi was working on Heaven & Hell’s album in USA at the moment, and was glad to return home to accept his Walk of Stars honour. ‘’ It's great! It's really an honor! I'm really proud of it … I was shocked’’ he exclaimed. ‘’It's so nice to have things like that! I've got one out in L.A. but I'm not from L.A. It's so nice being recognized in your hometown.’’;

Tony Iommi received Armenian Order Of Honour in October 2009.

Tony Iommi along with his colleague and friend Ian Gillan was awarded the Order Of Honor - Armenia’s highest order, which were delivered to them by Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan for their participation in Rock Aid Armenia benefit project and all the help to earthquake victims;

Tony Iommi honored At 2nd annual Awards Gala benefiting The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund, 31 October 2012.

The Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, founded in memory of Black Sabbath singer Ronnie James Dio, presented it’s Awards to seven distinguished honorees for their contributions to spreading awareness of Fund's important work. A privately funded charity organization dedicated to cancer prevention, research and education, has already raised more than $500,000 in its short history. Money raised have been committed to the cancer research work of the T. J. Martell Foundation for Cancer, AIDS and Leukemia Research and the gastric cancer research unit of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where Ronnie was treated for gastric cancer during the last six months of his life, according to Wendy Dio, widow of the late singer and Fund President and Founder. Tony Iommi was awarded on King of Rock ‘n’ Roll category as legendary guitarist and recent cancer survivor.

Tony Iommi joins National Guitar Museum Board Of Advisors, 19 December 2012. 

The National Guitar Museum (NGM), the first museum dedicated to the history, science, and cultural impact of the world's most popular instrument, has announced that legendary Black Sabbath and Heaven & Hell guitarist Tony Iommi has joined the museum's board of advisors. As an advisor to the National Guitar Museum, Iommi will add his insight and experience to the museum's mission to promote and preserve the legacy of the guitar. Iommi has spent much of his career looking for ways to improve guitar technology and make the guitar more playable. "I welcome the opportunity to be part of the National Guitar Museum's goal to highlight the history of the guitar - the instrument that has been part of my life since I was a teenager," stated Iommi. "There is so much more to the guitar than six strings and a slab of wood. Everything about it is fascinating, from how it is crafted to the legion of people who have played it."

"Tony is one of the most important rock guitarists to ever pick up the instrument," said HP Newquist, executive director of the NGM. "His guitar playing has defined the sound of heavy metal for more than four decades, and he has influenced countless thousands - if not millions - of players. Tony's also had a huge affect on the instrument itself, from establishing the Gibson SG as an iconic guitar on to his own innovations in pushing the boundaries of string and pickup technology." Iommi joins an existing group of renowned and respected guitarists on the NGM board, which includes Steve Howe, Steve Vai, Johnny Winter, Liona Boyd, Ritchie Blackmore, Joe Bonamassa, Pat Kirtley and Pete Huttlinger. 

The National Guitar Museum is the first museum in the United States dedicated to the history, evolution, and cultural impact of the guitar. Its touring exhibition, Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked The World, is travelling to 20 cities over the next five years. At the completion of the tour, one city will be selected as the permanent home of the National Guitar Museum.

Tony Iommi Wins Rock Titan of the Year in the 2012 Loudwire Music Awards, 16 January 2013. 

In an incredibly close race that saw multiple lead changes throughout the entire voting process, Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi won Rock Titan of the Year in the 2012 Loudwire Music Awards. The legendary axe-man and master of the riff was diagnosed with cancer early in 2012, and although it stopped the majority of Black Sabbath’s tour dates, one thing it never stopped was Tony Iommi. Despite the lymphoma diagnosis, Iommi continued writing for Black Sabbath’s massively anticipated next album, ’13,’ laying down guitar lines that will surely blow us away once its released in June 2013. For his bravery and dedication to heavy metal, fans have voted the Black Sabbath legend their 2012 Rock Titan of the Year.

Tony Iommi was presented with "Riff Lord" award at Revolver Golden Gods Awards, May 2013 

Tony Iommi to be presented with "Riff Lord" award at Revolver Golden Gods Awards show on May 2nd 2013. Adding another honour to his mantelpiece, Iommi says: “What a great honor to receive the Golden Gods Riff Lord Award for 2013, especially with our new Sabbath album coming out. I hope there will be some new favorite riffs in these songs.”

Black Sabbath wins Metal Hammer’s Golden Gods Award in two categories:
Best UK Band and Best Album, June 2013

Veteran British rock band Black Sabbath was crowned the kings of heavy metal on Monday, 17 June 2013, winning the top accolades at the UK's top metal music awards, the Metal Hammer Golden Gods. Black Sabbath won the award for Best Album for "13" which soared to No. 1 in the British charts on Sunday, giving the band its first number one album in nearly 43 years which is a record interval between chart-toppers. The band also won the award for Best UK band. "From honoring the lords of our world Black Sabbath as today's most cutting-edge act, there's simply no other event like it," said Alexander Milas, editor of Metal Hammer magazine that organizes the annual awards.

Black Sabbath receive Double Gold Disc Award For “13” Album in Toronto, August 2013

The reunited British heavy metal godfathers received the honor in Toronto for sales of their latest studio album "13," which moved more than 80,000 units in Canada. The founding members of the band (less drummer Bill Ward) each received a framed plaque along with a Toronto Maple Leafs NHL jersey.

Black Sabbath wins Classic Rock Awards in three categories:
Album of the Year, Event of the Year, and nominated Living Legends, November 2013

Black Sabbath were named Living Legends and took home a total of three honors at the 2013 Classic Rock Awards at the Roundhouse in London Thursday night, 15 November 2013. The big winners of the event, put on by Classic Rock magazine, Black Sabbath were honored as Living Legends, Album Of The Year for “13”, and Event Of The Year for hitting No. 1 in the UK after 43 years of releasing records. Sabbath’s Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler were on hand for the awards presentations.

Tony Iommi received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from Coventry university, November 2013, and has been officially appointed as Visiting Professor of Music a year later.

Tony Iommi received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts (Hon Darts) from Coventry university during its graduation ceremonies in Coventry Cathedral 19 November 2013. The degree has been awarded "in recognition of his contribution to the world of popular music; in particular being recognised as one of the founders of heavy metal music and one of the greatest and most influential musicians of all time".

“To watch Tony interact with the students was an absolute privilege,” says Dr. Geoff Willcocks, Coventry University’s Director of Arts and Culture. “He was incredibly generous and open with them about all aspects of his work. Tony is without doubt a rock icon and he’s an inspiration to so many people around the world.  It’s wonderful to have such an important and respected international figure working with us.”

Dr. Sara Reed, Head of Department for Performing Arts at the University, adds, “It is a tremendous honour to have Tony here with us as a Visiting Professor. His huge wealth of experience and musical knowledge is beyond value to our students. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to learn from such an immensely talented individual and all in the department sincerely look forward to working with Tony in the future.”

Black Sabbath wins their second Grammy for the song "God Is Dead?" as The Best Metal Performance in 2014.

Black Sabbath was honored with their second Grammy in the "Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance" category in the pre-telecast ceremony at the 56th annual Grammy Awards, which is being held Sunday, 26th January 2014 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The band was nominated for the track "God Is Dead?", from their 2013 comeback album "13".

Black Sabbath receive Platinum Disc Award for "13" and "Live...Gathered In Their Masses" in Montreal, Canada, April 2014

The godfathers of heavy metal, Black Sabbath, were handed platinum awards by Universal Canada for sales of their 2013 reunion album "13" (100,000 units) and their live DVD "Live... Gathered In Their Masses" (10,000 units).

Black Sabbath win Revolver Golden Gods in category Album of the Year, April 2014

The Revolver Golden Gods Awards took place, April 23 at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, where Tony Iommi in behalf of Black Sabbath was awarded Album of the Year for "13".

Black Sabbath receive a platinum plaque for one million copies of "13", July 2014

Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Ozzy Osbourne were presented with a platinum plaque on Friday, July 4 at London's Hyde Park for worldwide sales in excess of one million copies of the band's comeback album, "13". The CD was released in June 2013 via Vertigo/Universal Republic in the U.S. and Vertigo in all other territories.

Tony Iommi gets his second Ivor Novello Award for Lifetime Achievement, May 2015

Tony Iommi, together with his mates Geezer Butler and Bill Ward accepted the Lifetime Achievement Ivor Novello Award, 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". 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.

Tony Iommi Receives Gibson Les Paul Award at Q Awards, October 2015

Tony Iommi was honored with the Gibson Les Paul Award on October 19, 2015, at Q Awards, organized by influential British music magazine Q. Presented by Gibson Brands, the award honors innovation, artistry and inspiration in guitar playing.

Speaking about this year’s awardee, Q Senior Editor Matt Mason said, “Tony is one of those rare guitar players in that he truly defines a genre and a sound. His influence is huge but, equally, there is a real finesse in his playing that often gets overlooked. It harks back to his early love of Django Reinhardt – the legendary gypsy-jazz guitarist – who was a formative influence on Tony. As with all great musicians, Tony hears the world in a totally unique way, and that is what the Gibson Les Paul celebrates.”

Tony Iommi receives Lifetime Achievement award from National Guitar Museum, January 2016

The National Guitar Museum announced that its 2016's Lifetime Achievement Award is being awarded to Tony Iommi. Iommi is the sixth recipient of the award, joining previous recipients Honeyboy Edwards, Roger McGuinn, B.B. King, Vic Flick and Buddy Guy. Recipients are recognized for a lifetime of contributing to the legacy of the guitar and having a singular importance to the development and historical appreciation of the instrument.

Iommi says: "I'm very honored by this award from the National Guitar Museum. The guitar has been an important part of my life for most of my life, and I'm happy to have contributed to its legacy. Not only that, but I have just the place for this award in my new studio!"

According to HP Newquist, National Guitar Museum executive director, "This year, the choice for us was obvious. With Tony embarking on a final tour, his recorded work now marking nearly 50 years, and the charitable work he's been involved in, this was the time to ensure that his work was recognized. Tony's guitar playing has inspired countless numbers of guitarists to follow in his wake, and few guitarists can match his lifetime of achievements." Accompanying the award, Epiphone Guitars contributed a left-handed model of Iommi's signature SG line, which was launched this past year, to the museum. It will become part of the National Guitar Museum's permanent collection.

Black Sabbath receive a special plaque for the success of "The End" tour, 4 February 2017. 

Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Ozzy Osbourne were presented with a special plaque at the day of their last ever concert in Birmingham, celebrating the success of "The End" tour. The tour started 20 January 2016 and finished 4 February 2017 with 81 total shows. Tony Iommi said in regard: 

"Well, the end of our final tour is here, 4 continents, 26 countries and 81 tour dates, later we are back home in Birmingham for our final show. What a fantastic ride it has been! We can't thank you all enough - your support really means the world to us." 

Tony Iommi gets Metal Hammer's Golden Gods award, 12 June 2017.

Taking place at IndigO2 at The O2, London on Monday, 12 June the 2017 edition of the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards was hosted by WWE megastar and Fozzy frontman Chris Jericho, awarded Guitar legend Tony Iommi with  Golden God award on behalf of Black Sabbath, who brought the curtain down on their 49-year career earlier this year.

Director of Birmingham based Home of Metal Lisa Meyer delivered a powerful speech, inviting on stage Iommi, accompanied by a fan crowd going wild and chanting his name. Images of a rising demon, the same Black Sabbath used at the beginning of their shows during The End tour, are on the screen. Then Tony appeared to fans, accepting the award, and giving a very gentle speech. Iron man blasts, and Tony waves his hand to metalheads.

"For me, every time we get an award it reiterates that people are thinking about you and saying how much they appreciate what we’ve done." - said Tony.

Tony Iommi receives Loudwire's "The Courage" award, which starts the proper "Iommi Awards", 24 October 2017

For his relentless dedication to entertaining millions of fans while battling cancer, Tony Iommi was presented with the Courage Award at the 2017 Loudwire Music Awards. The honor recognizes Iommi not only for his recent battle with lymphoma, but for his lifelong determination to pursue a pioneering musical career despite an accident that severed two of his fingertips at the age of 17.

Tony graciously accepted the honor, truly moved by the award, while also joking that he now has three hands after receiving the trophy molded around his own hand.

The Courage Award, sponsored by Ultimate Classic Rock and cast out of the Tony’s own hand, is the very first of upcoming "Iommi Awards" series. 

Tony Iommi won Kerrang's The Icon Award, June 2018

The Aston-born guitar legend picked up the award at the Islington Assembly Hall ceremony in London on Thursday, 21 June 2018.

Tony, who is credited with effectively inventing heavy metal with his innovative sound and unique playing style, won the accolade after the magazine's readers cast their votes in his favour during 'an open process', says Kerrang!. The 70-year-old icon received a standing ovation when he collected his award at the end of the night.

"Thanks to Kerrang! for a great night and the ‘Icon’ Award, it’s an honour to receive it. We’ve worked together for a long time and their support is always appreciated," - said Iommi.