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The legendary British heavy metal band Black Sabbath is set to receive prestigious honors from their birthplace, Birmingham, England.
On January 28, Birmingham City Council will consider proposals to grant the founding members—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—the honorary title of City Freeman. This accolade is awarded for notable contributions to the city and its culture.
Deputy Leader of the city council, Cllr Sharon Thompson, emphasized the significance of Black Sabbath within Birmingham’s musical legacy, stating, “Birmingham has a fantastic musical culture and Black Sabbath is a significant part of that history, a pioneering band that continues to influence musicians today. They have become synonymous with the city and have served as true ambassadors throughout their remarkable careers.”
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Council members believe honoring these Birmingham icons is an apt tribute to their extensive impacts on both the local community and the music industry.
Black Sabbath, formed in Aston in 1968, is renowned as a trailblazer of heavy metal music, influencing a generation of artists, including the legendary band Metallica, which inducted them into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. Drummer Lars Ulrich articulated their legendary status, saying, “Black Sabbath is and always will be synonymous with heavy metal.”
Expressing his gratitude for the anticipated honor, Ozzy Osbourne remarked, “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.” He reflected on his journey, sharing, “I started with nothing but a dream, which I shared with Tony, Geezer, and Bill. We never gave up on that dream.”
Iommi also expressed his delight, stating, “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.”
The band has previously been honored by Birmingham, which named a bench and a bridge in their name in 2019. Ozzy Osbourne has even expressed intentions to visit the bench, humorously stating he would do so, “if I have to crawl there.”
In conjunction with honoring Black Sabbath, the Birmingham City Council will also deliberate on awarding the City of Birmingham Medal to the late musician, poet, and actor Benjamin Zephaniah. Zephaniah, who passed away at age 65 in 2023, gained notable fame for his character Jeremiah Jesus on the hit series Peaky Blinders.
Zephaniah previously made headlines in 2003 when he declined an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) honor, citing the negative connotations associated with the term “empire” and the historical pains it evokes.
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