Birmingham’s heavy metal rock pioneers Black Sabbath are set to be given Freedom of the City. Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Terence “Geezer” Butler and Bill Ward gave an emotional response over the move by Birmingham City Council.
Founding members of the rock band, formed in Aston in 1968, will get the honour, that is one of the oldest traditional ceremonies in the UK, if approved by Birmingham councillors at a meeting on January 28
This will add to honours to the rock legends across the city centre, including Ozzy the Bull at New Street Station, a tram named after Ozzy Osbourne, a Black Sabbath bench in Broad Street and their names along Birmingham’s Walk of Stars nearby.
Ozzy Osbourne, pictured above on Corporation Street in 2016 unveiling a tram in his name, said: “I’m honoured and, at the same time, shocked that I would have ever been considered for this very special commendation. I’m a proud Brummie from Aston through and through.
“I’m still amazed to this day that no one outside of Birmingham can understand a word I say, but that’s always made me laugh. I started with nothing but a dream, which I shared with Tony, Geezer and Bill. We never gave up on that dream. My only regret is that my Mom and Dad are not here to see what I became. Birmingham Forever!”
Tony Iommi added: “I’m over the moon! What a great honour to be a City Freeman. I’m aware that very few are given out. It ties us to the rich history of our hometown Birmingham, and that’s fantastic. I’m deeply grateful for the recognition.”
Terence “Geezer” Butler commented: “It is a great honour to be awarded a City Freeman by my hometown, the great City of Birmingham. Growing up in Aston I couldn’t have wished for a better childhood, from top notch schools, friendly neighbours and life-long friends, and of course the world’s greatest football team, Aston Villa.
“Birmingham has given the world some of the greatest inventions and innovations, in science, industry, the arts, literature, music, and all walks of life, and without Birmingham, the world would be a much poorer place. Thank you, fellow Brummies, for this amazing honour.”
Drummer Bill Ward said: “Thank you, Lord Mayor and Birmingham City Council. For our legendary fans, a solemn bow. Long live Black Sabbath.”
Black Sabbath has sold over 75 million albums worldwide and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, awarded a Lifetime Ivor Novello Songwriting Award in 2015 and were presented with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.