BLACK Sabbath guitar icon Tony Iommi is to follow in the footsteps of the world’s leading contemporary composers – by speaking at the renowned Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

An Evening with Tony Iommi MBE will see the Godfather of Heavy Metal take to the stage for one night only to talk about his remarkable career in music and the city that started it all.

It comes hot on the heels of the launch of the new Iommi band during a private party last month at Birmingham’s Actress & Bishop pub, during which the Sabbath guitar hero was interviewed by Frank Skinner.

It was a great afternoon that I was privileged to attend, and it’s well worth seeking out the replay on YouTube, which includes brilliant Brum and Black Country banter between the two.

Interviewer at the Conservatoire will be Midlands sports broadcaster and journalist Gary Newbon – also an MBE – and is expected to feature gig anecdotes, tour stories and insights into Tony’s life and career.

Gary Newbon & Tony Iommi / Image: Graham Young

There’s no news yet on whether there might be a livestream or recording for those unable to secure tickets.

Tony’s new album From The Dark is due out on October 23, with first single World Alone, supported by a cinematic seven-minute sci-fi video, already available on streaming platforms.

At the launch event, the Black Sabbath star was coy when asked about the possibility of gigs by the new band, which boasts frontman Jørn Lande (Masterplan), bassist Becky Baldwin (Mercyful Fate) and Robbie Williams’ drummer Karl Brazil.

Fans will be wondering if they might play Ozzfest 2027 which, Sharon Osbourne has just announced, will include a UK opening at Birmingham’s Villa Park, scene of Sabbath’s Back To The Beginning swansong last year, and two US dates.

Producer Mike Exeter, Tony Iommi, Karl Brazil, Becky Baldwin & Jørn Lande

While being interviewed by Skinner, Tony recalled the day he dipped his toe into the murky waters of the Eurovision Song Contest, providing the riff that drove Armenia’s entry in 2013.

It’s something I’ve written about several times in the past, both for the Daily Mirror and Birmingham Mail, and I remember chatting with the guitarist by text during the TV screening of the contest.

“I was as shocked as anybody when they came knocking,” he told me at the time. “They got in touch with me because of the charity work we’ve been doing out there, building a new music school to replace one wrecked by an earthquake.

“They asked if I’d got any spare songs. Well, I write loads of songs and they just get put away on a shelf because either they’re not suitable for Sabbath or another project and never see the light of day.

“I searched out Lonely Planet – it’s a bit of a power ballad – and sent it off. I was surprised when it made the shortlist and gobsmacked when the people of Armenia voted for it!”

Performed by Armenian rock heroes Dorians, fronted by self-confessed Sabbath fan Gor Sujyan, the song came 18th in a field of 26, with a score of 41 points. Iommi had passed on the invitation to attend.

Dorians at the Eurovision Song Contest

But now his new Iommi band is doubling down on Eurovision – because Norwegian singer Jørn has form in the Song Contest, too. He made a bid for Eurovision glory in 2021 with metal ballad Faith Bloody Faith.

The song didn’t win that year’s Melodi Grand Prix selection semi-final but impressed enough to secure him a wildcard entry into the final. Sadly, it failed to win that, too, so we’ll never know what might have been.

Other than the new Iommi band, you’ll have heard Jørn most recently as the singer of Norway’s official World Cup 2026 anthem Vi Er Norge, the second time he’s sung a World Cup song for the team. Watch it here.

Actress & Bishop images courtesy Tony Iommi.