Ozzy Osbourne says 'Birmingham forever' as he reflects 'my dad went into debt for my microphone'
Ozzy Osbourne has reflected on his humble beginnings growing up in Aston as Black Sabbath were awarded their latest honour.
The Prince of Darkness opened up on how the heavy metal band first began here in Birmingham - before the bandmates became pioneers of the genre.
A young Ozzy had placed an advert in a music store in town, searching for help in finding a gig. Little did anyone know, it would be this small note that brought together one of the greatest bands in history.
Read more: Huge celebrities spotted near Birmingham New Street as fans say 'welcome home bab'
Ozzy also revealed how his dad had gone into debt to buy him a microphone as he started out on his career. He spoke out with Birmingham city council as the founding members of Black Sabbath were awarded the Freedom of The City of Birmingham this weekend, Saturday, June 28.
'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," he said, reflecting on the new accolade.
"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!'
Terence 'Geezer' Butler, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne and Bill Ward now each have the title of an Honorary Freeman, along with Freedom of the City scrolls and medals.
Terence 'Geezer' Butler added: '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.'
The Freedom of the City honour is the one of the oldest traditional ceremonies in the country, which recognises people's exceptional service to the city.
Birmingham city council says the honour recognises Black Sabbath's "significance to the cultural and musical identity of Birmingham", along with their strong association with the city and "continued influence as pioneers of heavy metal."
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.'
As part of the ceremony at the City Council House, their names were engraved on the Freedom of the City marble board.
Bill Ward added: '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.'
The engravings in the Council House building joins Black Sabbath bridge on Broad Street as a permanent tribute to the band and their accomplishments.
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.'
They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, awarded a Lifetime Ivor Novello Songwriting Award in 2015 and were presented with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
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