BLACK SABBATH members will be honored with the Freedom Of The City, a prestigious title bestowed upon individuals who have significantly served the city.
A report set to be presented to the city council on Tuesday, January 28, will recommend granting the title of Freeman of the City of Birmingham to each founding member of BLACK SABBATH: Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Terence “Geezer” Butler, and Bill Ward.
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.
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. 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.”
Ozzy commented: “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!”
Tony stated: “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.”
Geezer said: “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.”
Bill stated: “Thank you, Lord Mayor and Birmingham City Council. For our legendary fans, a solemn bow. Long live BLACK SABBATH.”
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.