Ken Dashow

Ken Dashow

Listen to Ken Dashow everyday and don't forget about Breakfast With The Beatles every Sunday Morning.Full Bio

 

British Politicians Urging Queen To Grant Black Sabbath A 'Royal Honour'

Ozzy Osbourne and Tony Iommi's shocking reunion last week at the closing ceremonies of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham came as such a revelation to their home city, that local politicians are now asking Queen Elizabeth II to grant Black Sabbath a "royal honour."

Members of Parliament from both U.K. parties are working with the Birmingham City Council to urge the Queen to recognize Black Sabbath, as other British entertainers have been honored before them, according to an ITV report.

In a letter to her majesty, the group writes of Black Sabbath:

"For all their global fame, they have kept strong links with Birmingham, demonstrated by their barnstorming surprise performance at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games."
"We therefore seek direct intervention and support from Your Majesty to recognise the great contribution made by these fine and ground-breaking musicians, who were made in Birmingham and have once again not just entertained Birmingham, the United Kingdom and the whole of the Commonwealth but perhaps the world."

While Iommi, who still lives near Birmingham, performed at the Games' opening ceremonies, Ozzy's appearance last Monday night during the closing festivities was a surprise to all.

The Prince of Darkness underwent major spinal surgery in June. According to Iommi, Ozzy only committed to the closing ceremonies appearance less than a week prior.

Cofounding Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler was unable to attend after apparently breaking a rib earlier this summer.

Black Sabbath is well-appreciated in the cofounders' hometown. In 2017, Ozzy, Iommi and Butler performed their final concert as Black Sabbath in Birmingham.

Then in the summer of 2019, the city named its Black Sabbath Bridge in honor of the band and installed a metal bench on the structure with depictions of the four Black Sabbath cofounders, Ozzy, Iommi, Butler and Bill Ward.

An exhibition that year at a local museum highlighted Black Sabbath and the City of Birmingham's place in heavy metal history.

Photo: Getty Images Europe


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