Birmingham Marks First Anniversary of Ozzy Osbourne’s Death

Birmingham marked the first anniversary of Ozzy Osbourne’s death on July 22 with a citywide programme of live music, public art and commemorative events.

The first “Ozzy Day” centred on locations connected to the Black Sabbath frontman, including the Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, New Street Station, Bullring and Martineau Place. Bostin Brass, the group that performed during Osbourne’s funeral procession, staged pop-up appearances across the city, while the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra also performed at Bullring.

The first Ozzy Day turned Birmingham city centre into a public celebration of the singer’s life and legacy.

Ozzy the Bull, the mechanical sculpture created for the 2022 Commonwealth Games and later renamed in Osbourne’s honour, was decorated for the occasion. A limited-edition shirt was also produced, featuring an image from the Back To The Beginning concert and a list of the 52 Black Sabbath and solo shows Osbourne played in Birmingham.

Sharon Osbourne described Birmingham as the only appropriate home for the event, stressing her husband’s pride in being a Brummie and his lifelong attachment to the city.

Osbourne died on July 22, 2025 at the age of 76. His final performance took place earlier that month at Villa Park, where he reunited with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward for the Back To The Beginning charity concert.

The anniversary events continued Birmingham’s formal recognition of Black Sabbath, who received the Freedom of the City in June 2025.