University News Last updated 30 September
More than £15,000 has been raised for the new Tony Iommi Scholarship at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, helping music students from Birmingham pursue their careers.
The scholarship was launched at a sell-out Evening with… Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi MBE, where all proceeds from the event contributed to the scholarship total.
Tony spoke about his extraordinary life and career to a packed audience in the Conservatoire’s Bradshaw Hall on Thursday 17 September.
After the event, Tony said: “It’s hard for young musicians to get started and keep their momentum. I’m proud of Birmingham’s musical heritage, and we need to keep growing the opportunities for music in the city.
“Helping students from Birmingham focus on their practice and performance at the Conservatoire is a real joy, and the students who played tonight were excellent.”
Tony was welcomed onto the stage with a performance of Black Sabbath’s Paranoid by string quartet Jezt, who met while studying violin, viola and cello at the Conservatoire.
Hosted by renowned sports broadcaster and journalist Gary Newbon MBE, a close friend of Tony’s, the evening raised funds for the scholarship, which will support the next generation of Birmingham musicians.
“I’ve known Tony for a long time, and we’ve done events like this before, but I always learn something new about his time on the road, the origins of an iconic track, or an exciting project he’s working on,” said Gary.
“The importance of his contribution to music and the city of Birmingham is reflected in how far some of the audience travelled to be part of this event.”
Audience members had flown from North America, South America, and other parts of Europe – as well from across Birmingham - to be at the one-night-only event.
Tony talked about his continuing musical projects and his forthcoming solo album, From the Dark, which is due to be released in October.
During the talk, Tony also reflected on the accident that could have ended his musical ambitions before his career had properly begun.
While working in a factory at the age of 17, he lost the tips of two fingers on his right hand in an industrial accident.
Despite warnings that his musical career might be over, Tony refused to give up.
Inspired by guitarist Django Reinhardt, he adapted his playing technique and developed prosthetic fingertips, enabling him to return to playing and ultimately develop the distinctive guitar style that became a defining part of Black Sabbath’s sound.
During the evening, Tony also discussed receiving his MBE for his contributions to music and charity, and Black Sabbath’s final performance at Villa Park in July 2025.
The Back to the Beginning concert saw Tony reunited with Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward for the band’s final live performance.
Osbourne died on 22 July 2025, just over two weeks after the concert.
The Evening with… attracted a host of musical luminaries, including singer and actress Toyah Willcox, guitarist Robert Fripp and Birmingham-born drummer Bev Bevan amongst many others.
Dr Keith Bradshaw OBE DL, whose £1 million donation helped support Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and led to the naming of Bradshaw Hall, was also in attendance.
Stephen Maddock OBE, Principal of the Conservatoire, said: “Having music legends like Tony Iommi supporting our students is such a boost for their confidence early in their careers.
“I’m proud that RBC is a thriving hub of music and acting talent, representing genres and students from all walks of life.
“From opera to chamber music, jazz to folk, and now drum and bass to heavy metal we firmly believe that talent, no matter where it has come from, deserves the opportunity to flourish.
“I am incredibly grateful to Tony and Gary for making this Evening with… possible, as well as all our donors, guests and fans of Tony and Black Sabbath who have contributed to the Tony Iommi Scholarship. This financial support will be vital in the coming months and years.”
Pictured: Tony Iommi MBE (right) answering questions from host and close friend Gary Newbon MBE.