Freedom of city for legends

Rare honour for Birmingham rock band who played it heavy

- STEPHANIE BALLOO News Reporter

IT WAS a very black day for Birmingham but in a very good way!

And it was a trip down memory lane for rock legends Black Sabbath as they reflected on their humble beginnings as the city that spawned them paid the ultimate honour - Freedom of the City.

The ceremony took place at the Council House on Saturday and saw original band members Terence “Geezer” Butler, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne and Bill Ward presented with their scrolls and medals by lord mayor Zafar Iqbal.

The honour is one of the oldest ceremonies in the country and recognised Sabbath’s significance to the cultural identity of Birmingham and influence as pioneers of heavy metal around the world since their 1970 debut album.

Each band member received the title of Honorary Freeman and an engraving of their names on the Freedom of the City marble board.

Speaking at the ceremony, bassist and lyricist Geezer 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."