The event’s Artistic Director, Iqbal Khan, has revealed Iommi and headliners Duran Duran will be on hand to perform in their hometown at the city’s Alexander Stadium to mark the formal opening of the Games – the largest multi-sport event held in the UK since London 2012.
Iommi and acclaimed saxophonist Soweto Kinch will lead a dream sequence entitled Hear My Voice, based on the title track from 2020 film, “Trial of the Chicago Seven”, as reimagined by Birmingham-born RnB vocalists Indigo Marshall and Gambimi.
The opening ceremony will feature some of the city’s most celebrated artists and promoting its emerging talent on a global stage in front of a live audience of over 30,000 people and a television audience of over a billion.
Other artists confirmed to appear include Birmingham Conservatoire graduate and mezzo-soprano Samantha Oxborough; the celebrated City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra under acclaimed conductor Alpesh Chauhan; musicians from The Royal Marines; two-time, Grammy-award winning percussionist Lekan Babalola; vocalist Ranjana Ghatak; shawm player Jude Rees; bagpiper Chris Crouch; Djembe player Abraham Paddy Tetteh; with Birmingham-wide Dohl drummers providing a percussive backdrop to stunning visual moments.
“It’s true, that I will be performing at the opening of the Commonwealth Games,” shared Iommi on social media. “I’m very honored to have been asked to do it and I’m really looking forward to the day! It’s such a great boost for Birmingham to have the games held here.”
For full event details, visit the 2022 Commonwealth Games website here.
Formed in Birmingham in 1968, Black Sabbath went on to sell more than 70 million albums worldwide; they were inducted into the UK Music Hall Of Fame in 2005 and the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2006.
The group wrapped up a farewell tour in their hometown in February of 2017; their final performance is featured on the live package “The End.” See also:
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Search Black Sabbath at hennemusic
