The Freedom of Birmingham award “means a lot” to Ozzy Osbourne and the members of Black Sabbath, according to Sharon Osbourne, after the city council granted the distinction.
Ozzy, together with original band members Tony Iommi, Terence “Geezer” Butler, and Bill Ward, will receive the honorary title in celebration of their commitment to the city, after councillors approved it on Tuesday.
The council also authorized the posthumous presentation of the City of Birmingham Medal to the late poet Benjamin Zephaniah in recognition of his “unique and distinguished contribution” to literature as well as his philanthropic and community efforts.
Sharon Osbourne stated that her 76-year-old husband was “very proud” to accept the accolade.
“It means a lot to him to be recognised from his own home. “He’s really excited,” she told BBC Radio West Midlands. “He couldn’t believe it; he assumed I was joking. He asked, “Really, me?” “But I’ve been in prison!”
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In a statement, Ozzy Osbourne said he was “honoured and shocked” to receive the honor.
“I am a proud Brummie from Aston. I’m still shocked that no one outside of Birmingham understands what I say, but it’s always made me chuckle,” he remarked. “My only sorrow is that my mother and father are not present to see what I have become. Birmingham, forever!”
Black Sabbath, which has sold over 75 million records worldwide, was formed in 1968 in Aston, Birmingham, and is regarded as one of the most successful heavy metal bands of all time.
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The band is commemorated with a bench in Birmingham’s city centre. A giant mechanical bull from the 2022 Commonwealth Games, which is on exhibit at New Street Station, was called Ozzy following a public vote.
Sharon stated that her husband was “dying to come home” from the United States and spend time in Birmingham, but due to health issues, their plans had fallen through.
“He really, really wants to come home and that’s what been a bit tough, because each time he’s made arrangements to come, something happens,” she told me.
“This is not our home. It’s not where we came from, nor is it who we are. People here have been amazing to Ozzy, but this is not his home.”
She stated that they were donating Ozzy’s medals and platinum discs to a museum in Birmingham.
“It belongs in Birmingham, it needs to stay in Birmingham,” she went on: “He owes so much to Birmingham; it’s in his blood, and it defines who he is. If he had been born somewhere else, his tale would not be the same, thus he fully embraces his background and what Birmingham means to him.”
The Crown pub, where Black Sabbath performed their first show, was designated a historic site last year after falling into ruin in recent years, and there have been suggestions for a permanent museum celebrating heavy metal music in the neighborhood.
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