Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Terence “Geezer” Butler and Bill Ward BAGS recognition in… read more
A campaign to preserve the legacy of Black Sabbath in Birmingham has gained momentum ahead of the band’s upcoming recognition with the Freedom of the City award. The four founding members of the iconic heavy metal band, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Terence “Geezer” Butler, and Bill Ward, will receive the honorary title in a prestigious ceremony next week.
The city council has stated that the award is given to individuals in recognition of their service to the city, and is one of the oldest traditional ceremonies in the country. Black Sabbath will join an esteemed list of recipients, including William Adlington Cadbury, founder of the world-renowned chocolate brand, and former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill.
However, campaigners fighting to “save” the birthplace of Black Sabbath are calling for a more lasting legacy to celebrate the band’s enormous success and impact on the city. The future of Station Street, a road steeped in cultural importance, has been a topic of concern for many years.
The street is home to The Crown Inn, the venue where Black Sabbath performed their first gig, and the Electric Cinema, which was suddenly closed last year. Despite its historic significance, The Crown has been vacant for many years, and campaigners are urging the city council to take action to preserve the site.
Darren John, from the Save Station Street campaign, expressed his delight at Black Sabbath’s upcoming recognition, but emphasized the need for further action to celebrate the band’s legacy. “Icons don’t do Osbourne, Butler, Iommi, and Ward justice,” he said. “The city council should use their compulsory purchase powers to save The Crown and provide a true, lasting legacy.”
John described The Crown as the “birthplace of Black Sabbath and spiritual home of Brummie music.” He highlighted the significance of the pub, stating that more than 20 Rock and Roll Hall of Famers learned their trade there. “The Crown should be the inspiration and platform for a new wave of Brummie music and Hall of Fame stars while shouting about the best of local culture,” he added.
The Save Station Street campaign has gained support from notable figures, including Succession star Brian Cox, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, and Ozzy Osbourne himself. Jez Collins, founder of the Birmingham Music Archive, also welcomed the news of Black Sabbath’s recognition, but emphasized the need to preserve The Crown.
Collins described the recent announcement as “brilliant news,” but added that it was essential to ensure The Crown reopens as a cultural venue and music hub. “We need to bring it back to life as a place people will want to visit,” he said.
Last year, The Crown secured Grade II listing, which Collins described as a “venue that deserves its place on Historic England’s listings.” However, he emphasized that more needs to be done to preserve the site and celebrate Black Sabbath’s legacy.
Council leader John Cotton has described Station Street as a “landmark part of the city and an important gateway to Birmingham.” He has also stated that a revised heritage policy and strengthening of the heritage narrative in the city’s strategy for the next two decades addresses concerns over the street.
In a recent announcement, Coun Sharon Thompson, deputy leader of the city council, praised Black Sabbath’s contribution to Birmingham’s musical culture. “Birmingham has a fantastic musical culture, and Black Sabbath are a major part of that history,” she said. “They have become synonymous with the city and have been true ambassadors throughout their phenomenal careers.”
Ozzy Osbourne expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating that he was “honoured and, at the same time, shocked” to be considered for the award. “I’m a proud Brummie from Aston through and through,” he said. “I started with nothing but a dream, which I shared with Tony, Geezer, and Bill. We never gave up on that dream.”
Black Sabbath’s legacy extends far beyond their music, and their impact on the city of Birmingham is undeniable. With over 75 million albums sold worldwide and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, the band’s influence on the music industry is immeasurable.
As the city prepares to recognize Black Sabbath’s contributions, campaigners are urging the city council to take action to preserve the band’s legacy and celebrate their impact on the city. The future of Station Street and The Crown Inn remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Black Sabbath’s legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.
