Black Sabbath are set to receive the Freedom of the City of Birmingham. It is the city council’s highest honour, recognising significant contributions to public life and Birmingham’s reputation, nationally and internationally. The late poet Benjamin Zephaniah will also be honoured with the ‘City of Birmingham Medal’.
The award is largely symbolic today, though historically it allowed recipients to own land and trade freely in the days of feudal lords. It is a prestigious honour, granted only after a majority vote at a special council meeting. Most of the figures honoured are either from the military or local politics, however the more recognisable recipients include conductor Sir Simon Rattle, members of the Cadbury family, and four former UK Prime Ministers.
The members of @BlackSabbath set to be given Freedom of the City of Birmingham.
City Freeman is awarded to people in recognition of their service to the city and is one of the oldest traditional ceremonies in the country.
Read more inc. comments from the band 1/2 pic.twitter.com/V20CM55N9v
— Bham City Council (@BhamCityCouncil) January 21, 2025
Black Sabbath, the heavy metal pioneers who formed in Birmingham in 1968, have long been celebrated in their hometown. The founding members—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—are already commemorated on Birmingham’s Walk of Stars, as is the band, celebrating the lineups that didn’t feature all four founders. Taking their name from a horror film featuring Boris Karloff, Black Sabbath were called “the Beatles of heavy metal” by Rolling Stone magazine, and tracks like ‘Paranoid’, ‘Iron Man’ and ‘Crazy Train’ would go on to influence the next generations of heavy metal.
Ozzy Osbourne was both appreciative and surprised, saying, “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.” Iommi described it as a “great honour,” while Butler praised the city for its cultural contributions: “Without Birmingham, the world would be a much poorer place.”
Deputy council leader Councillor Sharon Thompson recognised the band’s impact, stating, “Black Sabbath are a major part of Birmingham’s musical history… They have become synonymous with the city and have been true ambassadors throughout their phenomenal careers.”
A report published on Birmingham City Council’s website went into more detail about the reason for the special award. “Black Sabbath have played a major part in the musical culture of the city and have since been synonymous with it. They continue to influence today’s music and bands such as Metallica, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Iron Maiden, Soundgarden, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Slipknot and Judas Priest, who have all cited the influence of Black Sabbath on them and their work”. The report also concluded that any cost associated with the ceremony would likely be covered by a third party, as well as making clear that each political party on the council was consulted.
Benjamin Zephaniah @BZephaniah to be the posthumously awarded the City of Birmingham Medal.
This recognises his ‘unique and distinguished contribution to the field of literature and for his charitable and community work’.
Read more 1/2 pic.twitter.com/esHPFX6zX6
— Bham City Council (@BhamCityCouncil) January 21, 2025
Benjamin Zephaniah, who passed away in December 2023, was one of Birmingham’s most celebrated poets and activists. Despite spending most of his adult life in London, he often referred to himself as a “son of Birmingham” and drew on his experiences growing up in the city for his work.
Zephaniah’s brother, Tippa Naphtali, reflected on the honour, saying, “Benjamin helped put Birmingham on the map… He remained committed to promoting and supporting Birmingham on a national and international stage.” Zephaniah’s poetry, often addressing issues like racial injustice, has been taught in schools across the UK, inspiring countless writers from all backgrounds.
Such an inspiration to me. Definitely pushed me to be braver with my poetry
— Jade Smoulders (@JadeSmoulders) January 21, 2025
Like Black Sabbath, a list of reasons for Zephaniah’s inclusion appeared on the council website. “It is often said that the accessibility of Benjamin’s work has inspired young writers to take up writing as well as inspiring many of the new generation of rappers. Included in his work was the quote; “The world is full of hate, but it’s also full of hope. We need to focus on that hope”.
Both Black Sabbath and Benjamin Zephaniah represent the best of Birmingham, a city often overlooked due to its industrial heritage. Both were instrumental in pushing boundaries in their respective fields, and have given the city figures to be proud of. While Black Sabbath put Birmingham at the heart of heavy metal, Zephaniah made poetry accessible to all, sharing stories of struggle and triumph.
