
It’s actually happening. Last year, we reported on a campaign to make Ozzy Osbourne a ‘Freeman of the City’ of Birmingham – a ceremonial honour that only 50 people have ever received – but it looks like the whole of Black Sabbath is to be recognised for their service to the city.
The honorary title of City Freeman is one of the oldest traditional ceremonies in the country, with Joseph Chamberlain the first to receive such an award in 1888. It’s only been awarded once in the 21st century, to the former long-serving Harborne councillor, Peter Hollingworth in 2011. But that’s about to change.
A report is to go to the city council next Tuesday, January 28 recommending that each founding member of Black Sabbath become a Freeman of the City of Birmingham: Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Terence “Geezer” Butler and Bill Ward. The Aston-formed band is considered a pioneer of heavy metal and has sold over 75 million albums worldwide.
On top of being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, awarded a Lifetime Ivor Novello Songwriting Award in 2015 and presented with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, Black Sabbath has a star on the Broad Street Walk of Stars, alongside the Black Sabbath Bench.
“I’m honoured and, at the same time, shocked that I would have ever been considered for this very special commendation,” said Ozzy Osbourne. “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!”
A separate report will go to the same meeting recommending the posthumous award of the City of Birmingham Medal to Benjamin Zephaniah. It recognises his ‘unique and distinguished contribution to the field of literature and for his charitable and community work’. The Handsworth-born writer, who died in December 2023, was a trail-blazing dub poet who went on to feature in the national curriculum.
Benjamin Zephaniah’s brother Tippa Naphtali stated on behalf of the family: “Benjamin helped put Birmingham on the map. Right up to his death he remained committed to doing everything he could to promote and support Birmingham on a national and international stage and was passionate about giving the city the recognition and national profile that it deserves.”