‘Honouring one of the best’: Birmingham remembers Ozzy Osbourne a year on from his death

Thousands of Ozzy Osbourne fans gathered across Birmingham on Wednesday (July 22) to honour one of the city's most famous sons a year on from his death.

People travelled from hundreds of miles to visit the home of the Prince of Darkness and come together in celebration of Ozzy Day.

A free programme of live music, public art and special performances was put on across the city to honour the legacy of the Black Sabbath frontman.

Watch a compilation video above of some of the events held in the city as part of Ozzy Day

Mum-of-two Siobhan Sinclair, 50, travelled from Liverpool just to be part of the celebrations and pay her respects to the legendary heavy metal icon.

She said: "I came to see the funeral procession this time last year and I wanted to be here again today. The mood last year was sombre, it was like a state funeral, but although there's still sadness today it is more of a celebratory atmosphere to honour the life of one of the best."

Earlier today, Ozzy's daughter Kelly Osbourne took to social media to share a heartbreaking tribute on the anniversary of losing her dad saying she missed him with "every part of her soul". Meanwhile wife Sharon Osbourne told BBC WM Ozzy would want fans to remember him 12 months on by playing music "really loud".

She said: "As Ozzy would say, 'when you want to remember me, just yank up the music really loud, as loud as you can get it, and just head bang. This is the home of metal. It's Ozzy's home, it's where he was born, what he loved and Ozzy Day wouldn't work anywhere else.

“He loved this city, he loved its people. He was proud of being a Brummie and that's it."

Across the city, there were tributes to the rock icon - including performances from the brass band Bostin Brass who led Ozzy's funeral procession past the Black Sabbath Bridge last year.

Visitors also flocked to the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, to see the Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero exhibition while short film tributes were shown.

There were also performances by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra at The Bullring shopping centre.

Sam Watson, chair of Central BID Birmingham, 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.”

Councillor Deborah Harries, cabinet member for culture at Birmingham City Council, said: “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. I am glad to see the city partners coming together to celebrate Ozzy’s influence on music and his pride in his hometown.

“Black Sabbath’s contribution to Birmingham was recognised when they were awarded Freedom of the City on 30 June 2025.

"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.”