Black Sabbath Get Historic News Before Final Show
The members of Black Sabbath, including Ozzy Osbourne, each proudly got scrolls and medals given to them by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham. – Author: Charles Ken, Photo from Vertigo/Republic Records/Universal
The four original members of Black Sabbath will perform together for the final time in just a few days, btu they got together a little bit early to receive a special honor. All four members were at an event on Saturday, June 28, to get the Freedom of the City of Birmingham, the highest honor available to receive by the group’s U.K. hometown.
Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward each proudly got scrolls and medals given to them by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal.
Black Sabbath Honored
In an official description of the ceremony, which was posted by the Birmingham City Council, a statement says, “The Freedom of the City honour is the one of the oldest traditional ceremonies in the country and recognises people’s exceptional service to the city. This honour recognises Black Sabbath’s significance to the cultural and musical identity of Birmingham, their strong association with the city and continued influence as pioneers of heavy metal in both Birmingham and beyond.”
The statement adds, “As part of the Freedom of the City, each band member received the title of Honorary Freeman and an engraving of their names on the Freedom of the City marble board was also unveiled at the ceremony.”
The members of the band all seemed thrilled with the honor, as they should be. Geezer Butler stated, “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.”
Ozzy Osbourne stated, “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.” He add that 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.”
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.”
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.”
The ceremony happened just one week before the group’s final concert, scheduled for July 5 at Birmingham’s Villa Park. The concert sold out instantly, so Ozzy and company are offering a way for their listeners to watch via a livestream, too.
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