Thursday, February 9, 2012

Ozzy Osbourne considered for Birmingham’s top honor


Birmingham city councilors have been reviewing a report called Destination Birmingham, part of an effort to recognize the contributions and success of local musicians while boosting tourism in the region.

During discussions this week, the Birmingham Mail reports councilors have also suggested that Ozzy Osbourne be given the city’s highest honor: Freedom of the City of Birmingham.

Council head of children’s social services Matt Bennett made his call for the honor, saying, “I studied in Liverpool and they do know how to make the most of their music. Yes they have The Beatles but they do like to go on and on about it. So I say give Ozzy Osbourne the Freedom of the City. He is the most famous Brummie on the planet. A few years ago he played for the Queen, and if he is good enough for the Queen he is good enough for Birmingham.”

If granted the Freedom, Ozzy would join conductor Sir Simon Rattle and round the world yatchswoman Lisa Clayton, as well as a long list of politicians and military regiments, to have been awarded the honorary title.

The suggestion was immediately endorsed by both the cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture Martin Mullaney and Coun Philip Parkin, whose Destination Birmingham report into the city’s music industry suggested a Black Sabbath Day, among a range of initiatives to boost music tourism in the city.


Black Sabbath Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath – Iron Man



See also:

Sharon Osbourne says she isn’t Black Sabbath’s manager
AUDIO: Ozzy talks about Black Sabbath guitarist’s cancer battle
Black Sabbath reunion: Bill Ward’s son speaks out
Ozzy Osbourne’s Boneyard Channel launches on SiriusXM
Black Sabbath Day supported by Birmingham Culture Chief
Black Sabbath drummer overwhelmed by fan support
Black Sabbath reunion will continue without Bill Ward
Drummer Bill Ward threatens to quit Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath Day in Birmingham proposed
Black Sabbath back where it all started
Black Sabbath guitarist given cancer boost with guitar therapy
Black Sabbath recording update
Black Sabbath guitarist thanks fans for support following cancer news
RUMOR: Black Sabbath pulls out of Coachella following cancer news
Black Sabbath guitarist diagnosed with cancer
Birmingham student wins Ozzy Osbourne Award
Holiday wishes from Black Sabbath
Christmas Rock: Ozzy Osbourne & Jessica Simpson
Black Sabbath bassist congratulates Metallica on anniversary
VIDEO: Black Sabbath’s Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler rock with Metallica
Ozzy Osbourne to launch his own SiriusXM channel
Black Sabbath announce European tour dates
VIDEO: Ad for Black Sabbath & Metallica at Download
Black Sabbath guitarist lands on New York Times Best Sellers List
VIDEO: Black Sabbath reunion press conference
Black Sabbath reunion brings new album, world tour
Black Sabbath Countdown Clock posted
Reunited Black Sabbath rehearsed at Ozzy’s house
Ronnie James Dio Cancer Fund hosts Awards Gala
Black Sabbath to announce reunion on November 11?
Black Sabbath: Tony Iommi LIVE chat
Black Sabbath top the hennemusic Hot 10
Tony Iommi confirms Black Sabbath rehearsal
VIDEO: Watch full Black Sabbath 1970 concert
Black Sabbath reunion confirmed by Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne’s music helps locate missing autistic boy
Ozzy Osbourne has cross made from 9/11 rubble