Black Sabbath to receive Lifetime Achievement award at The Grammys

The band, which featured Ozzy Osbourne and Tommy Iommi, will get special recognition at the star-studded ceremony in Los Angeles.

Stars who have received the award down the years include Elvis Presley, Bing Crosby, Johnny Cash and Bob Marley.

Black Sabbath founder Iommi said: "Blimey. That's great company to be in. There are some amazing names there.

"The only concern I have is that all of them are dead and we're not quite there yet!"

Others to have won the award include Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones and Tina Turner.

Dionne Warwick, Julio Inglesias and Billy Eckstine will also receive Lifetime Achievement awards on the night.

Grammy president Neil Portnow said the Birmingham band were chosen for their influence on rock music.

He said: "Each year, the Recording Academy has the distinct privilege of celebrating music industry giants who have greatly contributed to our cultural heritage.

"This year, we have a gifted and brilliant group of honorees and their exceptional accomplishments, contributions and artistry will continue to influence and inspire generations to come.

"From their power riffs to their dark, gothic imagery, Black Sabbath arguably invented the heavy metal signposts, and influenced every heavy rock band that followed. They have made an outstanding contribution to the field of recording."

The full Grammys ceremony will take place on February 10 with a separate Lifetime Achievement show to follow in May.