He might have spent decades in LA, but Ozzy Osbourne is still as Brummie as they come. The Aston native put the West Midlands on the heavy metal map with Black Sabbath and his solo career – and there are nods to ‘The Prince of Darkness’ everywhere from Ozzy the Bull to the Broad Street Walk of Stars.
On Saturday, October 19, the 75-year-old vocalist was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but one day before that, a campaign was launched for an even greater achievement to be placed upon him. Westside BID wants to make Ozzy Osbourne a ‘Freeman of the City’ of Birmingham.
Only 50 people have ever received the ceremonial honour in Birmingham, with Joseph Chamberlain being the first in 1888. It has only been awarded once in the 21st century, to the former long-serving Harborne councillor, Peter Hollingworth in 2011. The campaign is the latest in Westside BID’s championing of Ozzy, which includes the installation of the Black Sabbath Bench.
“In July 2007, Ozzy got a star on the Walk of Stars on Broad Street. I think his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is long overdue and I think he should also get the Freedom of Birmingham,” said Brian Hughes, the chairman of Westside BID.
“Ozzy and the band are all Birmingham born, they all come from Aston, they’re world famous. I personally used to go and watch them live at the Odeon New Street and have always liked them. They are good for the city and bring in a lot of business. You’ve only got to look at the hits we get on the Black Sabbath Bench – it’s internationally famous.”
Jim Simpson, the original Black Sabbath manager, has already backed the BID’s call for Ozzy to be given the Freedom of Birmingham. Mr Simpson said: “Ozzy Osbourne is THE most famous Brummie of all. The reason, probably, is that wherever he lives, whatever he does, he’s still totally identifiable as a Brummie!”
What is Freedom of the City?
A Freedom of the City honour is awarded on merit for a ‘significant contribution’ to artistic and cultural endeavours, as well as other fields including charitable work, sport and religious and spiritual life. It can only be given at a special meeting of the council when at least two-thirds of councillors must agree.
It’s one of Birmingham’s oldest surviving traditional ceremonies. Just a couple of recent recipients include conductor Sir Simon Rattle and round-the-world yachtswoman Lisa Clayton, both honoured in 1996. Birmingham City Council has yet to respond to the campaign, but any requests for Freedom of the City should be sent to: CommitteeSupport@birmingham.gov.uk.