Calls to celebrate Birmingham's city heritage amid Black Sabbath honour

The title is awarded to people in recognition of their service to the city and is one of the oldest traditional ceremonies in the country.

Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Terence “Geezer” Butler and Bill Ward will join the likes of William Adlington Cadbury, of the world-famous chocolate brand, and former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, in the recognition.

Black Sabbath have sold more than 75 million albums; inspired millions across the world and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame back in 2006.

The band has a star on the Broad Street Walk of Stars, alongside individual stars in their own right, together with a bench in their honour in the heart of Brum.

The decision taken during a full council meeting today, January 28, means each of the four founding members of the heavy metal band will also become a Freeman of the City.

Councillor Sharon Thompson, deputy leader at the council, told the meeting this afternoon that Black Sabbath put Birmingham on the map and said the city’s qualities of hard-work, innovation and resilience were reflected in the band’s music.

“We all know Birmingham is a fantastic city but the sad truth is we don’t always shout about the things that make our city so special,” the Labour councillor said.

“The Birmingham approach is often low-key and modest – but when we want to, we can make a big noise.

“That’s certainly the case of the four lads from Aston who we honour and celebrate here today.”

Councillor Matt Bennett (Conservative, Edgbaston) reflected on past opportunities to honour Birmingham’s cultural impact, saying: “Thirteen years ago in this chamber we had a debate about how we, as Birmingham, don’t celebrate our heritage and heroes quite as much as we should do.

“The band are iconic, the contribution they have made to heavy metal and music will never be forgotten – I think they are the most famous Brummies on the planet.”

Roger Harmer, leader of the Liberal Democrats at the council, highlighted efforts to save The Crown pub in Station Street, often described as the birthplace of Black Sabbath.

Darren John, from the Save Station Street campaign, spoke to the Local Democracy Service this month and urged the city council to use their compulsory purchase powers to “save” The Crown and provide a “true, lasting legacy”.

Echoing similar concerns, Councillor Harmer argued today that the pub had suffered “years of neglect” which had left it a “derelict and unloved building”.

“Next to it is the Electric Cinema, a beautiful art-deco building which is one of a kind,” he said.

“Kudos to Save Station Street and the campaign they’re running to protect our heritage. Hopefully Black Sabbath will use their new found city freedoms to add weight to this campaign.”

Councillor Rob Grant (Green Party, Kings Norton South) added it was “vital that pubs such as The Crown in Station Street must not simply disappear and must be kept open and celebrated as part of the city’s music heritage.”

He urged the council to commit to preserving music venues in the city.

Ozzy Osbourne said in a statement earlier this month: “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’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.”

Council leader John Cotton previously described Station Street as a “landmark part of the city and an important gateway to Birmingham”.

He also insisted a “revised heritage policy” alongside the “strengthening of the heritage narrative” in an ambitious strategy for the next two decades addressed concerns over the street.

It was agreed at today’s meeting that the council should confer upon the members of Black Sabbath the Freedom of the City, which means arrangements will be made for the awarding of the title.