Ozzy Osbourne to Receive Freedom of the City Award from Birmingham
January 29, 2025: Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, is set to receive one of the highest honors from his hometown of Birmingham. The city will present him and his bandmates with the Freedom of the City award, recognizing their outstanding contributions to Birmingham’s cultural legacy.
Honoring Black Sabbath’s Legacy
Birmingham City Council will bestow the prestigious award upon Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Terence Butler, and Bill Ward, the founding members of Black Sabbath. This recognition acknowledges their exceptional service to the city and their enduring influence on the music world. The council is also expected to award the City of Birmingham Medal to poet Benjamin Zephaniah.
Ozzy’s Gratitude for His Hometown
In a heartfelt statement, Osbourne expressed his pride in being from Birmingham: “I’m a proud Brummie from Aston through and through… Birmingham for ever!” The rocker, known for his distinctive accent, added that he still finds it amusing that people outside of Birmingham often struggle to understand him.
Sharon Osbourne Reflects on the Honour
Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife, spoke with BBC Radio West Midlands about how much this recognition means to her husband. “It means a lot to him, it really does, to be recognized from his home,” she shared. Ozzy was reportedly taken aback by the honor, humorously asking, “Really, me? But I’ve been in prison!”
Ozzy’s Ties to Birmingham
Although Ozzy currently resides in the U.S. due to health issues, his heart remains with Birmingham, a city that shaped both his early life and his musical career. Sharon Osbourne revealed that Ozzy longs to return home but has faced numerous setbacks preventing him from making the trip.
A Generous Donation to Birmingham
In a gesture of gratitude, Ozzy plans to donate his awards and platinum discs to a museum in Birmingham, ensuring that his legacy remains firmly rooted in his hometown. As Sharon put it, “He owes so much to Birmingham, it’s his blood, that’s who he is.”
HOLR breaks down Ozzy Osbourne’s heartfelt recognition and his deep connection to Birmingham.
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Published by HOLR Magazine
Image Credit: OzzyChangingHands