Tony Iommi, Carl Cox and Cerys Matthews named on King’s Birthday Honours list

Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi, DJ Carl Cox and Catatonia’s Cerys Matthews have been named in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

The annual honours recognise individuals from across the UK for their achievements and contributions to society, celebrating figures from the arts, sport, science, public services and charity.

This time around, those named include the iconic guitarist Iommi, who becomes an MBE for services to music and charity, and singer and broadcaster Matthews, who is made an OBE.

Two of the country’s most celebrated DJs – Carl Cox and Judge Jules – have also been recognised, receiving an OBE and MBE respectively.

Cox, 63, has been at the forefront of UK club culture for 40 years and presented the monthly Essential Mix series on BBC Radio 1 for many years. “I’m absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured to be awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List,” he has said.

“Music has been my life for as long as I can remember and I’ve been fortunate to do what I love and to connect with so many amazing people through the power of music. This recognition is not mine alone – it belongs to everyone who has been part of the journey. To the fans who have supported me throughout the years, the artists who have inspired and collaborated with me, the promoters, crews, and teams working tirelessly behind the scenes, my family, friends, and the wider electronic music community: thank you!”

“To receive this honour for doing something that has brought me so much joy is truly humbling. Oh yes, oh yes!” he added.

Matthews, who was previously awarded an MBE in 2014, is fondly remembered as the lead singer of Welsh alt-rock band Catatonia, and went on to be a regular presence on BBC Radio, presenting on 6 Music, Radio 2 and Radio 4.

Iommi, meanwhile, said at the start of the year that he would “definitely” release a new solo album in 2026. He appeared on Robbie Williams’ single ‘Rocket’ last year and received the Freedom of Birmingham award alongside his Sabbath bandmates.

“Music has been my life and I’ve been very lucky to share this journey with many amazing people and fans, and I’m very grateful for all the support along the way,” he wrote on social media. “It’s been a privilege doing something I love and then to see that music connect with so many over the years. And, to be able to help raise money for charities close to my heart has meant the world to me. Thank you, Tony (MBE!)”

Others to be named on the Birthday Honours list included children’s authors Julia Donaldson and Malorie Blackman, actor Helen Mirren, who becomes Companion of Honour, and Aardman Animations founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton.

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