The founding members of Black Sabbath have been officially recognized by their hometown with one of its highest honors. On Saturday, June 28, a special ceremony was held at Birmingham’s Council House, where Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Terence “Geezer” Butler, and Bill Ward were awarded the Freedom of the City of Birmingham.
The Freedom of the City is one of the oldest civic traditions in the UK, honoring individuals who have given exceptional service to their community. For Birmingham, this distinction acknowledges Black Sabbath’s monumental impact on the city’s cultural and musical legacy. Formed in Aston in 1968, the band went on to define an entire genre, pioneering heavy metal and selling over 75 million albums globally.
At the ceremony, the original band members received commemorative scrolls and medals, each becoming an Honorary Freeman of the City. Their names have also been permanently engraved on the Freedom of the City marble board inside the Council House.
The medals were produced locally by Jewellery Quarter-based Fattorini, with a design created by Birmingham City University student Toby Williams. His concept drew from the themes of industry and community — both central to Birmingham’s identity and the band’s origins.
Reflecting on the recognition, Geezer Butler said, “This is a great working-class city, and we’re all working class, from Aston. We weren’t given a chance when we started out, but Birmingham has always been behind us. People used to make fun of our accents, but we’re all proud Birmingham people and we love this city. It’s one of the greatest cities ever, it’s given the world so much and we’re proud to be here.”
Tony Iommi added: “It’s a great thing to receive. Birmingham is our home, and we love what Birmingham has done for us. We’ve got the bridge and the bench, things like that. We’re very grateful.”
Ozzy Osbourne, looking back on the band’s early days, said: “I first put an advert in a music store in town. If these guys hadn’t come to my door, I wouldn’t be sitting here now. It seems to have flown by so quickly. It’s amazing. I think about my dad, who went into debt to buy me a microphone. If only he could be here now. I think he would be very proud. I’m a Brummie and I always will be a Brummie. Birmingham forever!”
Bill Ward, clearly moved, remarked, “It’s completely overwhelming. I’m so proud to be an Astonian. That’s where I got my attitude. I was blessed — and cursed! — to meet Tony when I was 15, and I’m so proud that I got to know Geezer and Ozzy. They’re my brothers. I love them very much and we love our city very much.”
The engravings at the Council House now stand alongside the Black Sabbath bridge on Broad Street, permanent reminders of the band’s roots and enduring legacy.
Deputy city council leader Councillor Sharon Thompson said: “From the streets of Aston to global success, the ceremony has been a fitting celebration of their achievements and connection to our city, showcasing the band’s incredible career as pioneers of heavy metal and recognizing their continued legacy as part of Birmingham’s rich musical identity. Black Sabbath are global ambassadors of our city, and their music continues to inspire musicians across the world, so it has been wonderful to recognize the band with this honor.”
Lord Mayor Councillor Zafar Iqbal added: “It is a pleasure to pronounce Terence ‘Geezer’ Butler, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne and Bill Ward as Freemen Of The City of Birmingham. The Freedom Of The City is one of the oldest civic honors and given in recognition of exceptional service to Birmingham. Conferring these honors on Black Sabbath‘s founding members, who are proud Brummies, is a fitting tribute to the band, marking their importance to Birmingham’s cultural landscape and the pride of our city as their hometown.”
Professor David Mba, Vice Chancellor at Birmingham City University, highlighted the institution’s role in this tribute, saying: “We’re proud that our University, and particularly the iconic School Of Jewellery, has played such an instrumental role in this special recognition of a very special band. The creation of these remarkable medals is a golden demonstration of how BCU — as rooted in Birmingham as Black Sabbath themselves — continues to answer the call of the city, standing alongside willing partners like the City Council. Congratulations to Ozzy, Geezer, Tony and Bill. We hold great pride in your peerless representation of Birmingham on a global stage.”
With this honor, Birmingham celebrates not only the music of Black Sabbath, but their enduring connection to the city that shaped them — and which they, in turn, helped to put on the musical map.
