Black Sabbath guitarist and heavy metal pioneer Tony Iommi MBE has helped bring in more than £15,000 to establish a new scholarship for emerging musicians in Birmingham.

The money was raised through An Evening with… Tony Iommi, which filled Bradshaw Hall at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Fans made the journey from North America, South America and Europe for the event, which opened with Conservatoire student ensemble Jezt performing Black Sabbath’s "Paranoid" as a string quartet.

Sports broadcaster Gary Newbon MBE, a longtime friend of Iommi, guided the conversation as the guitarist looked back on his life and musical career. Iommi explained how a factory accident at 17, which took the tips of his fingers, led him to develop his distinctive playing style. Inspired by jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, he made his own replacement fingertips and adjusted his approach to the instrument, helping shape the sound of heavy metal.

Iommi also revisited Back to the Beginning, Black Sabbath’s final concert at Villa Park in July 2025, when he shared the stage with Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward. He spoke about what he is working on next, including his upcoming solo record, From the Dark.

Toyah Willcox, Robert Fripp and Bev Bevan were among the familiar faces in attendance. Conservatoire Principal Stephen Maddock OBE welcomed the scholarship, explaining how financial support can help young musicians from different backgrounds make the most of their education.

Through his support for Birmingham’s rising musicians, Iommi is helping the city’s bold musical traditions live on while giving new talent the chance to build a future of its own.