Tony Iommi says he’ll reform Black Sabbath in 2022 'if we’re still here'
Tony Iommi has reiterated his wishes to reform Black Sabbath for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in their native Birmingham.
Ozzy Osbourne first said he’d be on board to perform at the opening ceremony in a pre-Download Festival ITV interview earlier this month, saying: “That would be fantastic. With Black Sabbath or on my own. I’d like to do that. We’re all Brummies after all.”
A week later, Tony threw his hat into the ring, telling the Birmingham Mail: “I think that it would be a great thing to do to help represent Birmingham. I’m up for it! Let’s see what happens!”
Speaking to Planet Rock on the red carpet of the Kerrang! Awards at Islington Assembly Hall last night (21st June), we asked Tony if he’s spoken to Geezer about the idea.
“I haven’t spoken to Geezer about it but I know Ozzy wants to do and I’m up for that,” Tony said. “I think it’s great; we’re from Birmingham and if we can represent Birmingham and they ask us that’s great. If we can still play by that time! And if we’re still here!”
Tony also suggested he might start writing and laying down some music soon. Asked about his upcoming plans, Tony said: I’m going to carry on playing but I’ve been taking it easy y’know just to figure out what and pick things that I want to do as opposed to… y’know, when you do a tour you have to go out there for a year, 18 months, so that time’s gotta be taken.
“But now I don’t have to do that and I can pick and choose what I want to do. So, I’ve been doing a lot of charity stuff and eventually I will start writing and putting some stuff together.”
Tony was honoured with the Kerrang! Icon award at last night’s ceremony with Joe Perry, Foo Fighters, Corey Taylor and Biffy Clyro also among those picking up gongs.
Watch Tony on the red carpet, below
The full winners’ list is as follows:
BEST BRITISH BREAKTHROUGH
Dream State
BEST INTERNATIONAL BREAKTHROUGH
Code Orange
BEST SONG
Neck Deep – In Bloom
KERRANG! INSPIRATION
Joe Perry
BEST INTERNATIONAL LIVE ACT
Foo Fighters
BEST BRITISH LIVE ACT
Architects
BEST ALBUM
Enter Shikari – The Spark
KERRANG! LEGEND
Corey Taylor
BEST BRITISH BAND
Biffy Clyro
BEST INTERNATIONAL BAND
Foo Fighters
KERRANG! ICON
Tony Iommi