Ozzy Osbourne (real name John Michael Osbourne) was born in the Aston area of the city in 1948 and spent most of his youth there. It was in Birmingham that he found three like minded musicians, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler and formed Black Sabbath, the band often credited with inventing heavy metal. 

Birmingham city council member Tony Kennedy led a campaign to award Osbourne with the honor. He claimed that Osbourne’s public battle over addiction and trying to overcome it could prove inspirational for other citizens of Birmingham. 

Other city council members don’t quite see it the same way. One had spoken out publicly against the idea and other members have joined together to block Osbourne from receiving the honor, according to local news publication IC Birmingham.  

"Frankly I don't think he has done anything positive for Birmingham,” Said council member John Hemming. “Do we really want the city to share a reputation for biting the heads off bats?

"The idea of Osbourne as a role model is laughable. I can't see many parents wanting their children to grow up like him.

He added, "If we want to give the honor to musicians, UB40 would be a far better bet. They have a business based in Birmingham and do a lot of charity work."

Yes, but UB40 isn’t nearly as well known as Osbourne. 

more on Ozzy

Preview and purchase music from Ozzy