Has anyone ever meant as much to Birmingham as Ozzy Osbourne? You’d probably have to go back to Joseph Chamberlain to find someone who matched the Prince of Darkness’ importance to the Second City. But even then, the transformative mayor was an adopted son, while Ozzy was born and bred here—he bled Birmingham.
Yesterday (Wednesday, July 30), we said our final farewell to Ozzy Osbourne. Thousands turned out to watch his cortege— including wife Sharon and a brass band—wind through the city, even stopping at the Black Sabbath Bridge on Broad Street, in honour of the Aston-born star. It’s safe to say, the whole city mourned.
“Never before have I witnessed such passion from the people of Birmingham for a musician. They have lost their Prince of Darkness,” said Deputy Leader, Councillor Sharon Thompson. “We all know that Ozzy was an exceptional human being who was driven to entertain and ensure his city of Birmingham was never forgotten, along with his passion for charitable causes. ‘Birmingham Forever’, as he would say.”
This moment marks the end of what’s been an emotional few years between Ozzy and Brum. Growing up at 14 Lodge Road in Aston, the legendary rockstar had recently become more comfortable in his LA mansion. But after performing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games’ closing ceremony, he showed a deep desire to return to the city, and it felt like a relationship was rekindled.
Just a couple of years later, the original members of Black Sabbath reunited for one last charity gig on July 5 at Villa Park. Just a stone’s throw away from where the heavy metal pioneers originally formed. A few weeks after what was heralded as the “greatest heavy metal show ever”, Ozzy Osbourne died (Tuesday, July 22).
With the city already in celebration of his life—from ongoing exhibitions to street art murals and a Freedom of the City—emotions were already high (Ozzy revealed he had Parkinson’s in 2020). But what made him Birmingham’s favourite son?
Yes, he was a global superstar who put Birmingham on the musical map, but he also adored this city. “I’m a Brummie and I always will be a Brummie,” he said, receiving his Freedom of the City honour. “Birmingham Forever!” For a legend to show such unequivocal love for a city that receives too much hatred these days is special.
Like his music or not, he was a Brummie. Unashamedly Brummie. Unapologetically Brummie. This city needs more people like him. People who are willing to stand on rooftops and sing it’s praises rather than slagging it off. That’s why his passing has been so sad, yet so wonderful, as it’s brought Birmingham together like no one else could.
A book of condolence currently sits at Birmingham City Museum and Art Gallery’s Round Room and will close on Sunday, August 3.