OZZY OSBOURNE Deemed Not Worthy In Bid For Hometown Honor

October 1, 2003

Ozzy Osbourne will not be getting the Freedom of Birmingham, it was revealed today, according to icBirmingham.co.uk.

The campaign to give the former BLACK SABBATH singer the U.K. city's greatest honor has been effectively torpedoed by Liberal Democrat councillors who warned they would vote against any attempt to nominate him.

"Frankly I don't think he has done anything positive for Birmingham," explained party leader Coun John Hemming.

"Do we really want the city to share a reputation for biting the heads off bats?"

The claims of the Aston-born Osbourne have been touted by Labour Councillor Tony Kennedy who believes the way he overcame drug problems would be an inspiration for many Brummies.

But Coun Hemming said: "Frankly, the idea of Osborne as a role model is laughable. I can't see many parents wanting their children to grow up like him. 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."

The Freedom of the City honor was first given to Joseph Chamberlain in 1888.

The last time awards were made was in 1996. Recipients were former CBSO conductor Sir Simon Rattle and round-the-world yachtswoman Lisa Clayton.

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