A campaign by Westside BID to have Black Sabbath rocker Ozzy Osbourne made a Freeman of Birmingham has helped the entire band to be acknowledged with the rare honour.
Brian Hughes, chair of Westside BID, launched the crusade in October last year in the latest chapter in celebrating the heavy metal band, which has already included the installation of the Black Sabbath Bench on Broad Street, and stars on the BID’s Walk of Stars.
Speaking at the time, Mr Hughes said: “I think Ozzy should get the Freedom of Birmingham. Ozzy and the band are all Birmingham born, they’re world famous. 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.”
The Daily Star was one of many media that covered the BID’s campaign last October.
Now Birmingham City Council has announced that each of the four founding members of Black Sabbath is to become a Freeman of the City of Birmingham: Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward.
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 honours on these Birmingham legends would be the perfect way of saying thank you for all that they have done for the city.”
Jim Simpson, the original manager of Black Sabbath, who backed Westside BID’s campaign, today said: “This is wonderful news! I would like to congratulate Ozzy, Tomy, Geezer and Bill on what is a well-deserved honour for each of them.
“I would also like to commend Westside BID for its tireless celebration of the band, and it should be very proud of the fact that it led this campaign.”
Responding to the news, Ozzy said: “I’m honoured 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 started with nothing but a dream, which I shared with Tony, Geezer and Bill. We never gave up on that dream.”
Tony Iommi said: “I’m over the moon! What a great honour 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 Butler said: “It is a great honour to be awarded a City Freeman by the great City of Birmingham. Thank you, fellow Brummies, for this amazing honour.”
Bill Ward added: “Thank you, Lord Mayor and Birmingham City Council. For our legendary fans, a solemn bow. Long live Black Sabbath.”
You can watch a video that details Westside BID’s campaign here:
The honorary title of City Freeman is awarded to people in recognition of their service to the city and is one of the oldest traditional ceremonies in the country. Only one person has been given the award in the past quarter of a century.
The Rt Hon Joseph Chamberlain MP received the first one in 1888 and there are now 50 recipients in total including former Lord Mayor and councillor for a record-breaking 51 years, the now late Peter Hollingsworth JP, in 2011.
A report is to go to city council next Tuesday 28 January recommending that each founding member of Black Sabbath receive the honour. It is expected to receive huge support from councillors.
In the same announcement of Black Sabbath’s honour, the council also revealed that famous city poet Benjamin Zephaniah is to be posthumously awarded the City of Birmingham Medal.
Main picture of Black Sabbath is used courtesy of Jim Simpson.
ENDS
