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Watch: Commuters amazed as orchestra performs moving tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at Birmingham station

In a surprise pop-up performance, CBSO orchestra paid tribute to Birmingham rock legend Ozzy Osbourne at Birmingham's New Street Station

By Mimi Ibrahim
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It was the first day of the much-anticipated return of The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) and it kicked off with a surprise tribute performance to musician Ozzy Osbourne who passed away at age 76 on July 22.

The week-long musical takeover called CBSO in the City will see further performances in unexpected locations across the city from Wednesday 23 to Monday 28 July 2025, Birmingham World reports.

Its CEO, Emma Stenning, welcomed the packed crowds at Grand Central and spoke at the midway point of the performance as the orchestra paid homage to Ozzy Osbourne by playing ‘Black Sabbath’, from the Birmingham Royal Ballet ballad who were able to help with musical score. 

CBSO orchestra paid tribute to Birmingham rock legend Ozzy Osbourne at Birmingham's New Street Station
CBSO orchestra paid tribute to Birmingham rock legend Ozzy Osbourne at Birmingham's New Street Station

Catherine Arlidge, the organisation’s director of artistic planning shared ahead of the first performance today that the performance featured about 80 musicians, and the ensemble showcased the orchestra's versatility in various music genres. 

Emma Stenning said that before the performance that the performers were able to quickly adapt to the news of Ozzy Osbourne’s death: “The players are incredible. We have to remember, these are some of the best artists in the world. So you can put music in front of them, and they will play it like that and I think we had two or three run throughs this morning, and they were on it.”

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra performing a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at Birmingham New Street station, following the death of Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne aged 76.
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra performing a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at Birmingham New Street station, following the death of Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne aged 76.
The tribute took place near Ozzy the Bull
The tribute took place near Ozzy the Bull

She also added: “The players and staff at CBSO were greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Ozzy Osbourne last night – our condolences go out to his family, loved ones, friends and fans at this sad time.”

Kazuki Yamada, Music Director at the CBSO, said: “Birmingham is not a second city, it’s a leader in its own right. As a vibrant community, Birmingham has a proud history of giving the world some of its most celebrated musical innovators.” 

Keep your eyes peeled for more performances over the next week. You can check out the timings for this musical bonanza below! 

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra performing a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at Birmingham New Street station
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra performing a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at Birmingham New Street station

Thursday 24th July

  • ‘Race through Space’ at the Library of Birmingham - 11.30am

  • Classics Reimagined at IKON Gallery - 2:00pm

  • Live music on Birmingham’s tram network – from 2:00pm

  • String quartet at Birmingham Botanical Gardens - 2.30pm

  • Flute and harp at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery – 2.30pm: featuring Marie-Christine Zupancic and Katherine Thomas

  • A brass quintet at Black Country Living Museum-2.30pm

  • Double bass and friends at the IKON Gallery - 4:00pm

  • String quartet at the Chapter Restaurant – 6.00pm

  • String quintet at the RBSA Gallery - 6.00pm

Friday 25th July

  • String quartet at the Library of Birmingham – 2.30pm

  • A woodwind quintet at Birmingham Botanical Gardens– 2.30pm

Saturday 26th July

  • The canal boat performance – 12.30pm

Monday 28th July

  • CBSO return to New Street station - 1:00pm and 3:00pm