Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne has expressed his shock and pride after Birmingham City Council approved plans to award him and his bandmates the Freedom of the City. The honour, which recognises the heavy metal pioneers' service to Birmingham, was given the green light by councillors on Tuesday.
Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy's wife, revealed that the 76-year-old rocker was initially incredulous upon hearing the news. 'He couldn't quite believe it, he thought I was winding him up. He said: "Really, me? But I've been in prison!"' she told BBC Radio West Midlands. Osbourne, alongside Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward, will receive the honorary title.
In a statement, Ozzy Osbourne said: '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. My only regret is that my mom and dad are not here to see what I became. Birmingham for ever!'
The council also approved a posthumous City of Birmingham Medal for poet Benjamin Zephaniah, recognising his literary contributions and charitable work. Black Sabbath, formed in Aston in 1968, have sold over 75 million albums worldwide and are considered one of the most successful heavy metal bands of all time.
Sharon Osbourne added that her husband is 'dying to come home' from the US but has faced health setbacks that prevented travel. The couple plans to donate Ozzy's awards and platinum discs to a Birmingham museum, with Sharon stating: 'It belongs in Birmingham, it needs to stay in Birmingham. He owes so much to Birmingham, it's his blood.'
