Black Sabbath's founding members awarded Freedom of the City of Birmingham
The band formed in Aston in 1968.
Terence 'Geezer' Butler, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, and Bill Ward were presented with their Freedom of the City scrolls and medals by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal, at a ceremony in the Council House on Saturday.
"People used to make fun of our accents"
Terence 'Geezer' Butler said:
'This is a great working class city, and we're all working class, from Aston.
"We weren't given a chance when we started out, but Birmingham has always been behind us. People used to make fun of our accents, but we're all proud Birmingham people and we love this city.
"It's one of the greatest cities ever, it's given the world so much and we're proud to be here".
Tony Iommi said 'It's a great thing to receive. Birmingham is our home, and we love what Birmingham has done for us.
"We've got the bridge and the bench, things like that. We're very grateful".
What does the honour recognise ?
Black Sabbath's significance to the cultural and musical identity of Birmingham
their strong association with the city
continued influence as pioneers of heavy metal in both Birmingham and beyond.
"I'm a Brummie and I always will be a Brummie"
Ozzy Osbourne said:
'I first put an advert in a music store in town. If these guys hadn't come to my door, I wouldn't be sitting here now.
"It seems to have flown by so quickly. It's amazing. I think about my dad, who went into debt to buy me a microphone.
"If only he could be here now. I think he would be very proud. I'm a Brummie and I always will be a Brummie. Birmingham Forever!'
A new exhibition opened last week to commemorate the end of an era for singer Ozzy Osbourne, who will be performing for the final time in the city where it all started.
Bill Ward said:
'It's completely overwhelming. I'm so proud to be an Astonian. That's where I got my attitude. It was a blessed – and cursed! – to meet Tony when I was 15, and I'm so proud that I got to know Geezer and Ozzy.
"They're my brothers. I love them very much and we love our city very much".
Black Sabbath's achievement so far:
created eight albums, selling more than 75 million albums worldwide
considered pioneers of the heavy metal genre, and one of the most commercially successful heavy metal bands
inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006
awarded a Lifetime Ivor Novello Songwriting Award in 2015
presented with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
Each band member was given the title of Honorary Freeman, and now have their names engraved on the Freedom of the City marble board, joining the Black Sabbath bridge on Broad Street as another permanent city tribute to them.
Toby Williams, a student at the School of Jewellery at Birmingham City University, won a competition to create the medal design, inspired by the themes of industry and community to reflect the people of Birmingham.
"Black Sabbath are global ambassadors of our city"
Cllr Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of the City Council said:
'From the streets of Aston to global success, the ceremony has been a fitting celebration of their achievements and connection to our city, showcasing the band's incredible career as pioneers of heavy metal and recognising their continued legacy as part of Birmingham's rich musical identity.
"Black Sabbath are global ambassadors of our city, and their music continues to inspire musicians across the world, so it has been wonderful to recognise the band with this honour.'
Councillor Zafar Iqbal, Lord Mayor of Birmingham said:
'It is a pleasure to pronounce Terence 'Geezer' Butler, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, and Bill Ward as Freemen of the City of Birmingham.
"The Freedom of the City is one of the oldest civic honours and given in recognition of exceptional service to Birmingham.
"Conferring these honours on Black Sabbath's founding members, who are proud Brummies, is a fitting tribute to the band, marking their importance to Birmingham's cultural landscape and the pride of our city as their hometown".
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