Black Sabbath’s founding members are set to be honoured with the Freedom Of The City by Birmingham City Council.
The legendary heavy metal band – originally comprising frontman Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward – formed in the Birmingham suburb of Aston in 1968 and will be honoured for their service to their hometown.
Proud Brumme Ozzy, 76, admitted he has “shocked” to have been chosen for the “very special commendation”.
He said: “I’m honoured and, at the same time, shocked that I would have ever been considered for this very special commendation. I’m a proud Brummie from Aston through and through.
“I’m still amazed to this day that no one outside of Birmingham can understand a word I say, but that’s always made me laugh. I started with nothing but a dream, which I shared with Tony, Geezer and Bill. We never gave up on that dream. My only regret is that my Mum and Dad are not here to see what I became. Birmingham Forever!”
Tony, 76, commented: “I’m over the moon! What a great honour to be a City Freeman. I’m aware that very few are given out. It ties us to the rich history of our hometown Birmingham, and that’s fantastic. I’m deeply grateful for the recognition.”
Geezer, 75, said: “It is a great honour to be awarded a City Freeman by my hometown, the great City Of Birmingham.
“Growing up in Aston I couldn’t have wished for a better childhood, from top notch schools, friendly neighbours and life-long friends, and of course the world’s greatest football team, Aston Villa.
“Birmingham has given the world some of the greatest inventions and innovations, in science, industry, the arts, literature, music, and all walks of life, and without Birmingham, the world would be a much poorer place. Thank you, fellow Brummies, for this amazing honour.”
Bill, 76, added: “Thank you, Lord Mayor and Birmingham City Council. For our legendary fans, a solemn bow. Long live Black Sabbath.”
The ‘Paranoid’ rockers – who have sold more than 75 million records worldwide – went their separate ways in 2017, following the conclusion of their ‘The End Tour’ at Birmingham’s Genting Arena.
Bill opted out of the farewell jaunt, but Ozzy is determined to reunite with the sticksman for one last time – despite his ongoing health issues, including suffering from Parkinson’s disease and mobility issues relating to a spinal injury.
Geezer said he’d like to see the show happen at his beloved local football team Aston Villa’s ground after Ozzy’s wife and manager Sharon dropped a huge hint that Ozzy would play two gigs at Villa Park, the home of the Premier League giants.
Geezer told SiriusXM’s ‘Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk’ in May: “Ozzy was hoping to finish it all off next year back in Aston, at the Aston Villa ground. I’m definitely up for it, to finish the whole thing off.”