![Image: Black Sabbath 1970 [Warner Bros. Records]](http://www.nuclearblast.com/cdn/shop/articles/Black_Sabbath_1970.jpg?v=1751450090&width=1500)
Image: Black Sabbath 1970 [Warner Bros. Records]
The countdown is on: Black Sabbath are about to take the stage for one last time with their farewell show Back To The Beginning. But before the big night, the four founding members – Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward – received a very special honor from their hometown Birmingham: “The Freedom of the City of Birmingham” scroll and accompanying medal.
The official ceremony took place on June 28 and was presented by Birmingham’s Lord Mayor, Zafar Iqbal.
To give you some context: “The Freedom of the City” is one of the oldest civic honors in the UK, traditionally awarded to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the city. In the case of Black Sabbath, it celebrates not only their deep ties to Birmingham’s identity but also their global legacy as pioneers of heavy metal.
What the band had to say about the honor:
Speaking on receipt of the award, Terence “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 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 added:
“It’s completely overwhelming. I’m so proud to be an Astonian. That’s where I got my attitude. It was a 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.”
We congratulate Black Sabbath on this incredible honor and wish them a powerful and unforgettable final show on July 5.
For all info about the concert, the full lineup with Metallica, Gojira and more, check out our article: "Black Sabbath say goodbye – Final concert with Metallica, Gojira and many more!"
No ticket but don’t want to miss it?
Here’s everything you need to know about the official livestream!
