Metal king Iommi gets a Brummie star

Legendary Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi is following in the footsteps of Ozzy Osbourne by getting his own star on Birmingham's Broad Street Walk of Stars.

Fresh on the heels of actress Julie Walter's decision to accept the offer of a star, the heavy metal guitarist, founding member of Black Sabbath and its Ronnie James Dio-led version Heaven & Hell, will be honoured on the Broad Street Walk of Stars on Sunday, November 23.

Following an afternoon of live music from local bands on the stage in Centenary Square, Kerrang Radio presenter Johnny Doom will host the evening, with the presentation of the star taking place at 6.30pm.

Born in Aston, Birmingham, guitarist and songwriter Iommi is best known as the founding member of Black Sabbath and is recognised as one of the most important and influential guitarists in rock music and widely considered to be the man who invented the heavy metal riff.

Iommi has released over 30 albums with Black Sabbath, two solo albums, has sold over 80 million copies and is the recipient of 20 platinum and 14 gold albums. Black Sabbath were inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in November 2005, and in March 2006 into New York's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Currently working on a new studio album with Heaven and Hell in America, Iommi said he was thrilled to return home to accept his Walk of Star honour.

"It's great,it's really an honour. I'm really proud of it," he said.

"I was shocked! It's so nice to have things like that. I've got one out in LA but I'm not from LA. It's so nice being recognised in your home town."

The Broad Street Walk of Stars honours people who have made a significant contribution in the categories of music, television, film, radio, theatre, sport, business and literacy.