Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from Coventry University on Tuesday.
The BBC reports Iommi was on hand for the ceremony, saying "It's brilliant. I couldn't believe it."
The university announced the degree has been awarded "in recognition of his contribution to the world of popular music; in particular being recognised as one of the founders of heavy metal music and one of the greatest and most influential musicians of all time".
Iommi headed straight from the graduation ceremony to join Black Sabbath in Helsinki for the start of their latest European tour, which begins Wednesday.
On November 26, the band will release a live DVD entitled “Black Sabbath - Gathered In Their Masses.”
The group was recorded over two shows – April 29 and May 1 – in Melbourne, Australia during the early stages of the group’s current world tour.
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