Black Sabbath to be Given Honorary Title by Birmingham City Council

The love fest between Birmingham City Council and legendary heavy metal band Black Sabbath will continue into 2025, as officials in the band’s hometown announced they’ll be bestowing one of the city’s most prestigious awards — the honorary title of City Freeman.

Next Tuesday, the council will receive a recommendation that each founding member of Black Sabbath receive the honor, making Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward freemen of the city of Birmingham. Deputy Leader of the city council Cllr Sharon Thompson said the decision to honor Black Sabbath helps the community mark their indelible impact on music as a whole.

“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 honors on these Birmingham legends would be the perfect way of saying thank you for all that they have done for the city.”

This won’t be the first time the city has honored the legendary band. Previously, the band received a star on the Broad Street Walk Of Stars, along with individual stars for each band member. They also have a special bench on one of the city’s bridges.

With the honorary titles coming their way, each band member said they were floored by the continued support from their hometown.

Ozzy:

“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. 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!”

Tony Iommi:

“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.”

Geezer Butler:

“It is a great honor to be awarded a City Freeman by my hometown, the great City of Birmingham. Growing up in Aston I couldn’t have wished for a better childhood, from top notch schools, friendly neighbors and life-long friends, and of course the world’s greatest football team, Aston Villa. Birmingham has given the world some of the greatest inventions and innovations, in science, industry, the arts, literature, music, and all walks of life, and without Birmingham, the world would be a much poorer place. Thank you, fellow Brummies, for this amazing honor.”

Bill Ward:

“Thank you, Lord Mayor and Birmingham City Council. For our legendary fans, a solemn bow. Long live Black Sabbath.”