Gerry Martire

Gerry Martire

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Tony Iommi To Perform At Opening Of 2022 Commonwealth Games In Birmingham

Photo: Getty Images North America

Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi will perform at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, which will be held in his and Black Sabbath's home city of Birmingham, England, this month.

Iommi will perform a piece titled "Hear My Voice," alongside saxophonist Soweto Kinch at the festivities beginning Thursday, July 28, at Alexander Stadium. Another iconic Birmingham-born act, Duran Duran, will headline the ceremonies.

An estimated 30,000 people are expected to attend.

Theater producer Iqbal Khan called in an "unbelievable honor" to design the opening ceremony for the games in Birmingham.

"Since setting out on this journey, I wanted to tell Birmingham's story, and I wanted to tell it right — to show that there is a vivid and vibrant confidence about this place, in this moment," he said. "It's the music of this city that truly gives it its voice, and this stunning lineup will connect with a global audience, as we celebrate the best of Birmingham creativity on an international stage."

About 4,500 athletes from 72 nations and territories will compete in the 2022 Commonwealth Games from July 28 - August 8.

The founding members of Black Sabbath agreed — at least publicly — following their farewell tour in 2017 that they would consider reuniting once more, if possible, for the Commonwealth Games in their hometown.

The coronavirus pandemic and Ozzy Osbourne's myriad health issues all but closed the door on the idea. Ozzy said in late-2020 that Black Sabbath was almost certainly "done" for good.

He and Iommi remain close, however. The pair co-wrote a song for Ozzy's forthcoming solo album, Patient Number 9. Ozzy said collaborating with Iommi again was one of his favorite aspects of making the new album.


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