Founding Black Sabbath Members To Be Awarded By Birmingham City Council
Members of heavy metal band Black Sabbath are set to be given Birmingham’s honorary title of City Freeman, awarded to people in recognition of their service to the city and being one of the oldest traditional ceremonies in the country.
Deputy Leader of the city council, Sharon Thompson, said the decision to honor the band helps the community mark their unfading impact on music as a whole: “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.”
Each founding member of the band (Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Terence "Geezer" Butler and Bill Ward) released the following statements:
Ozzy Osbourne: “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 Iommi: “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.”
Terence "Geezer" Butler: “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 Ward: “Thank you, Lord Mayor and Birmingham City Council. For our legendary fans, a solemn bow. Long live Black Sabbath.”
Formed in 1968 in Aston, Birmingham, Black Sabbath is regarded as a heavy metal pioneer. The band has sold over 75 million albums globally and has been honored with various accolades, including induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2006, a Lifetime Ivor Novello Songwriting Award in 2015 and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. Black Sabbath also has a star on the Broad Street Walk of Stars and each member has their own individual star. They even have a special bench on one of the city’s bridges.
Sources:
Blabbermouth.net - BLACK SABBATH Members Honored By Birmingham City Council, January 21, 2025
Forbes.com - Black Sabbath To Receive Prestigious Honor By Birmingham City Council, January 21, 2025
