Event uncovers ‘overlooked elements’ of Black Sabbath’s legacy

Overlooked elements of Black Sabbath’s legacy will be uncovered and celebrated at a special event organised by the University of Birmingham.

Forging Metal: Black Sabbath and Birmingham is a free event taking place on Tuesday, 14 October at the Bramall Concert Hall on the University of Birmingham campus.

Academic experts will be joined by special guests, Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, and Carlos Acosta CBE, director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, to examine the ongoing legacy of the first-ever heavy metal band.

The event will feature a series of talks from University of Birmingham academics exploring various aspects of Black Sabbath’s legacy, as well as an ‘in conversation with’ session with Tony and Carlos.

Aston’s own Tony Iommi, also known as The Iron Man, The Riff Master General and The Godfather of Heavy Metal, is an inspiration for many thousands of hard rock guitarists.

As the only continuous band member for the genre-shaping career of Black Sabbath, for over 50 years, Tony Iommi has become synonymous with heavy rock, his innovative, de-tuned, dark riffs a blueprint for successive generations of bands that followed.

Carlos Acosta CBE, awarded an honorary degree by the University of Birmingham in July 2025, has been director of Birmingham Royal Ballet for five years.

During his tenure, he has shown a commitment to amplifying the region’s rich heritage and culture through the creation of performances, including the acclaimed Black Sabbath -The Ballet, the first true heavy metal ballet experience, and the second creation of his celebrated Birmingham Trilogy.

Carlos Acosta, said: “I am delighted to continue this wonderful partnership between Birmingham Royal Ballet and the University of Birmingham.

“It’s a joy to discuss in public with the brilliant co-founder of Black Sabbath, Tony Iommi, the massive impact that Black Sabbath has had on the world, and how the band’s legacy inspired my concept for Black Sabbath-The Ballet.”

Professor Paul Jackson from University of Birmingham said: “This evening is an exploration of the social science around what that means for the city itself, and also for an internationally-renowned ballet company as it takes Birmingham DNA to the world.”

Pictured: English rock band Black Sabbath - guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. (Credits - Dom Slike via alamy)