Birmingham City Council vote in favour of 'Freedom of the City' for Black Sabbath

It recognises the band's contribution to the city

Author: Scott Colothan and Amelia SalmonsPublished 28th Jan 2025

Birmingham City Council have voted in favour of granting rock band 'Black Sabbath' the title of 'Freedom of the City' in Birmingham.

The honour was decided at their full council meeting on Tuesday (28th Jan).

What does 'Freedom of the City' mean?

The honorary title of City Freeman is awarded to people in recognition of their service to the city and is one of the oldest traditional ceremonies in the country.

A campaign was launched for Ozzy Osbourne to be given the freedom of Birmingham in 2024, however the council have gone a step further by also honouring Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Terence ‘Geezer’ Butler.’

Black Sabbath were formed in the Aston area of Birmingham in 1968, and they’re widely credited with helping pioneer the heavy metal genre.

What do the fans have to say?

Jez Collins is Founder of the Birmingham Music Archive, and a big fan of the band. He told us what the recognition means to him:

"We do not celebrate them enough. To have them honoured with a rare award, is fantastic.

Jez Collins, Black Sabbath fan

"Metal is celebrated all over the world. For four working class Brummies, it is great for the fans and also the city for them to be recognised," he said.

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