The four original members of Black Sabbath — Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward — were honored at a ceremony in Birmingham’s Council House with the Freedom of the City, one of the highest honors granted by the city for cultural and social contributions. Each member received a scroll and medal, and their names were engraved on a marble plaque inside the town hall.
The award highlights the band’s deep ties with their hometown and their global impact as heavy metal pioneers. Since forming in Aston in 1968, Black Sabbath has sold over 75 million records and is considered one of the genre’s most influential acts. Commemorative plaques and local monuments — including a bridge and a bench dedicated to the band — reinforce their legacy in Birmingham.
In their statements, the members expressed pride and emotion: Iommi emphasized the bond with the city, Osbourne called himself a true “Brummie,” Butler said it was a great honor for someone born and raised in Aston, and Ward remarked that Birmingham shaped his identity.
The process to grant this honor began in January, when the council approved the proposal unanimously. In addition to the ceremony, exhibitions featuring Ozzy and the band have opened, showcasing plaques, memorabilia, and murals across the city.
This recognition coincides with Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell concert on July 5 at Villa Park, a historic event for Birmingham. Ozzy also announced he will donate his awards to a local museum to preserve his legacy in the city.
