Black Sabbath to be given Freedom of the City in Birmingham
The band have responded to the prestigious honour
All four original members of Black Sabbath - Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Ozzy Osbourne and Bill Ward - are set to be given the Freedom of the City of Birmingham.
A report will be submitted to Birmingham City Council next Tuesday (28th January) formally recommending that each member of the legendary metal band becomes a City Freeman.
The honorary title of City Freeman is awarded to people in recognition of their service to the city and is one of the oldest traditional ceremonies in the country.
A campaign was launched for Ozzy Osbourne to be given the freedom of Birmingham in 2024, however the council have gone a step further by also honouring Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Terence ‘Geezer’ Butler.’
Black Sabbath were formed in the Aston area of Birmingham in 1968, and they’re widely credited with helping pioneer the heavy metal genre.
Late poet Benjamin Zephaniah will also be honoured with the posthumous award of the City of Birmingham Medal.
Cllr Sharon Thompson, deputy leader of the city council, said: “Birmingham has a fantastic musical culture and Black Sabbath are a major part of that history, a pioneering band that still influences today’s musicians. They have become synonymous with the city and have been true ambassadors throughout their phenomenal careers.
“Benjamin Zephaniah was a real trailblazer and son of Birmingham who helped put the city on the cultural map and he will always be remembered here.
“Conferring these honours on these Birmingham legends would be the perfect way of saying thank you for all that they have done for the city.”
All four members of Black Sabbath have also released their own statements:
Ozzy Osbourne - "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 - "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 - "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."
Bill Ward - "Thank you, Lord Mayor and Birmingham City Council. For our legendary fans, a solemn bow. Long live Black Sabbath."
Black Sabbath will add the Freedom of the City of Birmingham to their growing collection of accolades in their home city, which includes a star on the Broad Street Walk of Stars, individual stars in their own right and a bench in their honour.
Last month, Geezer Butler said that Ozzy Osbourne is still intent on playing a farewell concert, and he’s keen to reunite Black Sabbath for the momentous occasion.
Sharon Osbourne previously revealed during her spoken word show Cut The Crap in January 2024 that Ozzy was hoping to play a farewell concert at Birmingham’s Villa Park as a “goodbye” to fans.
The planned gig hasn’t yet come into fruition.