By Steve Wollaston
When Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath take to the stage this weekend they will be rightly hailed as the pioneers of heavy metal – and will do so at the home of their beloved Aston Villa. The Brum rockers hailed from the streets surrounding Villa Park and it’s a fitting place for their last ever show. Starting up in 1968, Sabbath changed the landscape of the rock music scene and in doing so they put Birmingham on the map as the birthplace of metal. The connection with Villa is woven into the culture of the club and the fanbase and to fans of the claret and blue – Sabbath are iconic. To celebrate that link with the rockers and the club – a series of brilliant, unique souvenir merchandise is now available. All of the designs combine retro designs, the Villa colours, and a homage to Ozzy Osbourne and with only a limited amount available – you will need to act fast to get your hands on yours! The Prince of Darkness this week opened up on how the heavy metal band first began here in Birmingham – before the bandmates became pioneers of the genre. A young Ozzy had placed an advert in a music store in town, searching for help in finding a gig. Little did anyone know, it would be this small note that brought together one of the greatest bands in history. Ozzy also revealed how his dad had gone into debt to buy him a microphone as he started out on his career. He spoke out with Birmingham city council as the founding members of Black Sabbath were awarded the Freedom of The City of Birmingham this weekend, Saturday, June 28. 鈥淚 first put an advert in a music store in town. If these guys hadn鈥檛 come to my door, I wouldn鈥檛 be sitting here now,” he said, reflecting on the new accolade. “It seems to have flown by so quickly. It鈥檚 amazing. I think about my dad, who went into debt to buy me a microphone. If only he could be here now. “I think he would be very proud. I鈥檓 a Brummie and I always will be a Brummie. Birmingham Forever!鈥