Calls for Ozzy Osbourne to receive freedom of city

Ozzy Osbourne performed during the closing ceremony for the 2022 Commonwealth Games

Birmingham campaigners have called for rock legend Ozzy Osbourne to be given the freedom of the city.

The move, led by the city's Westside Business Improvement District (BID), follows the 75-year-old's induction as a solo artist into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Ohio, US.

Brian Hughes, the BID's chairman, said it was time for an honour in his home city: "Ozzy and the band are all Birmingham born, they all come from Aston, they’re world famous."

Birmingham City Council, which is in charge of giving out the honour, has been asked to comment.

Mr Hughes explained how the campaign was the latest stage of Westside BID championing the Prince of Darkness and Black Sabbath.

The long-time fan added: "They are good for the city and bring in a lot of business."

Brian Hughes said he used to watch Black Sabbath live at the Odeon New Street

Its support led to their stars being added to Broad Street Walk of Stars and the installation of the Black Sabbath bench.

Osbourne pledged earlier this year to visit the bench soon and in a video message he thanked Mike Olley, the general manager of Westside BID, for installing and looking after it.

He plans to see the bench whilst also visiting Ozzy the mechanical bull, which starred in the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony and was named after him following a public vote.

Osbourne announced he had Parkinson's disease in 2020, before playing at the Games' closing ceremony. He retired from touring last year.

Jim Simpson, Black Sabbath's original manager, backed the calls for the freedom honour, calling Osbourne "the most famous Brummie of all".

Ozzy Osbourne sat in a bat-shaped chair with Jack Black during his induction to the Rock and Roll hall of fame

Birmingham City Council can confer the freedom of the city if it is agreed by at least two thirds of the authority at a special meeting.

For civilians, it is an honorary award in recognition of what they have achieved for Birmingham.