Black Sabbath are awarded the freedom of the City

It’s a real privilege, as a councillor, to get the opportunity to comment publicly on people and events that shaped the city we call home.

Just a stone's throw away from here on Station Street, Black Sabbath honed their craft. The pioneers of heavy metal and arguably one of the greatest musical exports this city has ever produced. 

Formed in Aston in the late sixties, their music emerged from the industrial soul of Birmingham. A sound that was raw, heavy, and urgent. Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward tapped into the everyday struggles and frustrations of working-class life to create a sound that was darker and heavier; taking inspiration from the factories, and steel mills and working-class life. Local people loved it and felt they were represented and understood with this new sound/ 

Tracks like Paranoid, Iron Man, and War Pigs resonated with people far beyond Birmingham’s borders. They spoke to the disillusionment and frustrations of world. Tony Iommi once said that their sound was a direct reflection of the harsh realities of growing up in Birmingham, but it was also about resilience—about finding power and creativity in adversity. It’s a message that continues to resonate in this city.

Today, the Crown Pub where Black Sabbath launched themselves, is under threat of demolition. Years have neglect have seen the once thriving night spot turned into a derelict and unloved building. Next to it is the Electric cinema – a beautiful, art deco building that’s one of a kind. Both at risk of the wrecking ball in favour of another generic glass high rise. Kudos to Save Station Street and the campaign they are running to protect our heritage. Hopefully Black Sabbath will use their newfound city freedoms to add weight to this campaign. 

Black Sabbath helped shape how the world sees Birmingham. I hope that today’s act inspires a new generation of musicians and artists who can use their talents to describe our city, then shape it’s future.