Birmingham bestows honorary title on Black Sabbath

The iconic heavy metal band Black Sabbath and Birmingham City Council will continue their love affair until 2025, as the band’s hometown officials announced they will be granting the honorary title of City Freeman, one of the city’s most prestigious accolades. Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward will all be freemen of the city of Birmingham when the council is recommended to acknowledge each founding member of Black Sabbath on Tuesday. The choice to commemorate Black Sabbath, according to Cllr. Sharon Thompson, deputy leader of the city council, helps the community recognize their lasting influence on music in general.

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. Conferring these honors on these Birmingham legends would be the perfect way of saying thank you for all that they have done for the city.

The city has previously paid tribute to the iconic band. In the past, each band member received a star on the Broad Street Walk of Stars, in addition to the band receiving a star. Additionally, one of the city’s bridges has a dedicated bench for them. Each band member expressed their amazement at the ongoing support from their hometown as they received the honorary titles.

I’m honored 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! Ozzy Osbourne

I’m over the moon! What a great honor 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. Tony Iommi

It is a great honor 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 neighbors 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 honor. Geezer Butler

Thank you, Lord Mayor and Birmingham City Council. For our legendary fans, a solemn bow. Long live Black Sabbath. Bill Ward