Ozzy Day set to honour Birmingham's famous son

15 hours ago

Caroline GallWest Midlands

The city wanted to celebrate one of its most famous sons, the council said

Ross Halfin Ozzy is sat on his throne on stage at his farewell gig last year. The chair is black and he is wearing black with a cross necklace on his chest. His hair is He is waving his left hand. dark and shoulder length. — The city wanted to celebrate one of its most famous sons, the council said

Birmingham icon Ozzy Osbourne is to be celebrated in the city on the anniversary of his death, with a special day of live music and events.

The Prince of Darkness, from Aston, died on 22 July last year, less than three weeks after Black Sabbath's farewell Back to the Beginning gig.

In memory of Ozzy, visitors can explore places that inspired the band, watch specially commissioned films and visit Black Sabbath Bench to mark the first Ozzy Day in the city.

"Ozzy Osbourne is one of Birmingham's foremost cultural figures, and we continue to honour his legacy here in the city, where his journey began," councillor Deborah Harries, cabinet member for culture, said.

After singing with several local bands, Osbourne joined Black Sabbath alongside guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward in the late 1960s.

As the frontman, Osbourne is credited with inventing heavy metal, thanks to songs such as Iron Man and Paranoid.

Fans' floral tributes took over Black Sabbath Bench on Broad Street following his death

Flowers, pictures and scarves are left draped in the area around the bench on Broad Street. — Fans' floral tributes took over Black Sabbath Bench on Broad Street following his death

Their gig at Villa Park on 5 July last year saw performances from Metallica, Slayer and Pantera, but the 76-year-old, who had a series of health conditions, died just weeks later.

His death prompted a huge outpouring of grief by fans worldwide but many were able to pay their respects to the heavy metal legend when his funeral cortege travelled through the city.

The city council has since said it wanted to honour "one of its greatest cultural icons" by holding Ozzy Day at several locations across the city.

Bostin Brass, who were part of the funeral procession, will bring his music back to the streets of Birmingham with a series of pop-up performances across the city.

There will be a lunchtime performance by musicians from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra at the Bullring, while visitors can capture the moment with free commemorative Polaroids alongside a specially dressed Ozzy the Bull at Birmingham New Street.

Many rock legends joined Black Sabbath for the Villa Park gig

Ross Halfin More than a dozen singers and band members from many legendary groups join Ozzy for a group photo. He is seated in the centre, with everyone, pretty much all wearing black, surrounding him. — Many rock legends joined Black Sabbath for the Villa Park gig

Birmingham Music Archive will be at Birmingham New Street to invite fans to share their stories, memories and reflections of his impact on Birmingham and the world, by leaving messages in a commemorative guestbook.

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery will also be showing Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero exhibition, including Ozzy's iconic throne, with people also able to explore the city's Celebrating Black Sabbath in the City trail.

A bespoke t-shirt has also been produced, the council said, with "a triumphant Ozzy Osbourne graphic" from the farewell concert on the front and a list of all 52 gigs he played in Birmingham on the back.

Sharon Osbourne and family visited the floral tributes left for her husband on Broad Street

PA Sharon Osbourne is supported by her son and daughter has they see the flowers and memorabilia left for Ozzy by his bench. — Sharon Osbourne and family visited the floral tributes left for her husband on Broad Street

A limited number of the t-shirts can be purchased at Selfridges, located in the Bullring, from 22 July.

"Black Sabbath's contribution to Birmingham was recognised when they were awarded Freedom of the City on 30 June 2025," Harries added.

"All of these anniversary events are an opportunity for residents and visitors to celebrate this legacy, while showcasing the creativity, culture and character that make Birmingham so special."

Sam Watson, chairperson of Central BID said: "Ozzy Day is a fantastic example of Birmingham working together to celebrate the legendary Ozzy Osbourne.

"By bringing together businesses, cultural organisations and public spaces, we're creating a city centre wide experience that encourages people to celebrate the legacy of a truly global, Birmingham-born icon."