Birmingham Explores City Honors for Black Sabbath and Benjamin Zephaniah

Birmingham City Council Considers Awards

Birmingham City Council is deliberating on granting urban accolades to local music icons Black Sabbath and Benjamin Zephaniah.

According to BBC, on Tuesday, January 28, the council is set to review a proposal to bestow City Freeman status upon the four founding members of the heavy metal band and to present a posthumous medal to the dub poet and musician. The City Freeman designation acknowledges an individual’s significant contributions to the city.

Recognition of Musical Legends

Black Sabbath originated in the Aston neighborhood of Birmingham in 1968, while Zephaniah was born in Handsworth.

Black Sabbath was established in Birmingham by singer Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Terence “Geezer” Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. “Birmingham has a fantastic music culture, and Black Sabbath is a critical part of that history, a pioneering band that continues to influence today’s musicians,” stated City Council deputy leader Cllr Sharon Thompson, as noted by Forbes.

“They have become synonymous with the city and have served as true ambassadors throughout their illustrious careers.”

Members of the band have expressed their surprise and gratitude regarding the potential city award. “I am honored and shocked to be recognized with this special award,” declared vocalist Ozzy Osbourne.

“I’m a proud Aston Brummie through and through. It always amuses me that no one outside Birmingham seems to understand what I say. I began with a dream shared with Tony, Geezer, and Bill, and we never gave up. My only regret is that my mom and dad aren’t here to witness what I’ve accomplished. Birmingham forever!”

Tony Iommi remarked: “I know very few (City Freeman statuses) are granted. It connects us to the rich heritage of our home city of Birmingham, which is fantastic. I am deeply thankful for this recognition.”

Black Sabbath has received local honors before: in 2019, a bench was erected, and a bridge was named in their tribute.

A Tribute to Benjamin Zephaniah

The council will also deliberate on the 28th of January whether to present musician, poet, and Peaky Blinders actor Benjamin Zephaniah with a Birmingham City Medal. Zephaniah, also a writer and political activist, was recognized as a pioneer and innovator who “gave so much to the world.”

Zephaniah passed away from a brain tumor in 2023. Following his death, an exhibition and a mural were established in the city center in his honor.

Born on April 15, 1958, Zephaniah was diagnosed with dyslexia early on and left school by age 13, unable to read or write. His motivation to become a writer emerged when he received a typewriter as a child.

In 2003, he famously rejected the OBE title, stating: “Benjamin Zephaniah OBE – not Mr. Blair, not Mrs. The Queen. I am deeply against the empire.” He also sought a meeting with Tony Blair to discuss crime in Britain and urged the Queen to refrain from “talking about empire”.

Two distinct reports regarding the respective awards will be discussed on January 28 by Birmingham City Council.