By james art 
Activists struggling to “rescue” the birthplace of Black Sabbath have called for a “lasting heritage” before the Brummie group receives the freedom of the city.
Each of the four founders of the heavy metal band will become the Freeman of the City at a prestigious ceremony next Tuesday.
The City Council said that the honorary title is awarded to people in recognition of their service to the city and is one of the oldest traditional ceremonies in the country.
Ozzy Osborne, Tony Iomi, Terrence Gisser Butler and Bill Ward will join persons like William Adlington Kedbury, founder of world-renowned chocolate brand, and former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, in recognition.
But those who are campaigning for “protection” on Station Street Street in Birmingham, a cultural way, want to see further actions to celebrate the great success and influence of the group.
The future on the street, which is behind Grand Central and New Street, was returned to the public consciousness last year after the sudden closure of Electric Cinema.
He is also home to The Crown Inn, best known for being where Black Sabbath performs their first concert. Despite its historical significance, the pub has been empty for many years.
Darren John, from the Save Station Street campaign, told the Local Democracy Office today that he was “joyful” to see Black Sabbath to be awarded the Freedom of the City. He said, “The icons do not give justice to Osborne, Butler, Iomi and Ward.”
However, he said that the Birmingham Municipal Council must use its powers for a compulsory purchase to “save” the crown and provide a “true, lasting heritage”.
He continued to describe the pub as “the birthplace of Black Sabbath and the Spiritual House of Music Brummie.”
“More than 20 members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have learned their craft at this pub,” he said. “John Bright Street, Hill Street and Station Street were the center of the Music Universe.
“You can follow LED Zepellin, Elo, Judas Priest, UB40, The Beat, Fleetwood Mac, Steve Winwood, Sabbath and dozens of others to this triangle from places.
“The Crown must be the inspiration and platform for a new wave of Brummie music and stars from the Hall of Fame, while screaming for the best of local culture.”
He added that there is a “magic of beach” in the walls of The Crown, saying, “The council must act immediately.”
The Save Station Street campaign is supported by people like Succession star Brian Cox, Peaky Blinders creator Stephen Knight and Ozzy Osburn himself.
Jez Collins, the founder of Birmingham Music Archive, also described the recent Black Sabbath message as “brilliant news”.
“Now let’s return The Crown to secure hands and open it again so that people can visit the cradle of heavy metal,” he said.
After the establishment provided the ranking II degree last year, Mr Collins said: “This is an establishment that deserves its place on the Historic England lists-but we need more.
“We have to guarantee that The Crown will open again, we have to bring it back to life as a cultural place, a place for music and a place that people will want to visit.”
Council leader John Cotton described Station Street last year as “a remarkable part of the city and an important door to Birmingham.”
He also insisted that a “revised inheritance policy”, along with the “strengthening of the inheritance story” in an ambitious strategy for the next two decades, addresses concerns about the street.
In a message this week, Coun Sharon Thompson, Deputy City Council, said: “Birmingham has a fantastic music culture and Black Sabbath are a major part of this story, a pioneer band that still affects today’s musicians.
“They became a synonym for the city and were real ambassadors throughout their phenomenal career.”
Ozzy Osborne added: “It is an honor for me and at the same time shocked that I was once considered for this very special praise.
“I’m proud Brummie from Aston to the end. To this day, I am surprised that no one outside of Birmingham can understand the word I say, but it always made me laugh.
“I started with just one dream I shared with Tony, Guiser and Bill. We have never given up this dream. “
Black Sabbath has sold over 75 million albums worldwide and were introduced into the Rock and Roll Fame in 2006.
Currently, the band has a star on the Broad Street Stars Alley, along with individual stars on their own, along with a bench in their honor of Broad Street.