In the wake of the passing of singer Ozzy Osbourne at the age of 76, fans have flocked to significant Black Sabbath landmarks across Birmingham to pay their respects. Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019, Osbourne performed Black Sabbath's bittersweet farewell concert in his hometown earlier this month.
At the iconic Black Sabbath bench on Broad Street, bouquets of flowers piled up as a testament to the musician's legacy. On Tuesday evening, an advertising van rolled up, blasting the band's timeless hits through the streets. Gatherings also took place at a mural near New Street station, designed in homage to the recent concert, and at the Old Crown in Station Street, where the band, widely hailed as the architects of heavy metal, once played in their nascent years. The walls were adorned with photographs celebrating their pioneering spirit.
Ian Marshall, a devoted fan from Cardiff, who happened to be in Birmingham to celebrate his 52nd birthday, embarked on a poignant tour of Black Sabbath sites with his daughter, Erin, and her boyfriend, Tyler. A lifelong admirer of more than three decades, Marshall reflected on Osbourne's vibrant life, stating, "He lived life to the fullest, bringing unparalleled joy to countless heavy metal enthusiasts." As the trio stood by the mural, capturing memories, Marshall received the heartbreaking news. "He experienced life in excess, living a fantasy that most could only dream of. He truly touched the hearts of many," he mused.
Osbourne's bandmates in Black Sabbath expressed their grief and gratitude online, cherishing the fact that they had the privilege to perform together one final time on July 5th at Villa Park, mere steps away from where their journey began. Geezer Butler penned, "Farewell, dear friend. Thank you for the countless years of laughter and unforgettable moments. Four kids from Aston – who would've guessed? I'm glad we got to do it one last time. Love you forever."
Toni Iommi sent heartfelt condolences to Ozzy's family, struggling to find words for such devastating news. "He was one of a kind, and there will never be another like him. Geezer, Bill, and I have lost our brother," he lamented. Drummer Bill Ward echoed the sentiment, extending his sympathy to the fans. "You will forever reside in my heart, beyond missed phone calls and unspoken embraces. Rest in peace. My sincere regrets to all the fans. Never goodbye, thank you for everything," he wrote poignantly.
Jim Simpson, Black Sabbath's first manager based in Birmingham, remembered Osbourne fondly as "always one of the good guys." He added, "[He was] a genuinely sweet-natured man, a pleasure to be around." Simpson recalled their last meeting during the ceremony honoring Osbourne with a star on Birmingham's Broad Street. "We shared tea in the green room at the International Convention Centre, accompanied only by his two aunties. He treated them with the utmost kindness and respect," he reminisced.
"The question that echoed was, 'Auntie, care for another cuppa tea?' – far removed from the image of Ozzy Osbourne known for biting the head off a bat. Jez Collins, from the Birmingham Music Archive, remarked that it was apt that Osbourne's final performance was staged so near his birthplace. 'It was sheer magic to witness him there, surrounded by the affection of global music icons,' he recounted. 'The final gig carried even more poignancy and fittingness.'"
When Donna Ford and Sue Peters were at Old Still pub in Wolverhampton, they received the news. The karaoke was promptly halted, and 'Changes' was played instead. A minute of silence ensued, with everyone raising a toast. Speaking by the Black Sabbath bench on Broad Street, they revealed they had bought flowers and laid them in tribute.
Aston Villa FC, whose stadium had hosted Osbourne's final concert earlier that month, expressed their sorrow at the passing of the "world-renowned rockstar and loyal Villan." They added, "Having grown up in Aston, close to Villa Park, Ozzy maintained a special bond with the club and the community he hailed from."
Birmingham Children's Hospital, chosen as one of the beneficiaries of the July 5th concert, hailed Osbourne's "remarkable career and life, while never forgetting his Brummie roots." They continued, "Our hospital has been incredibly fortunate to have his support over the years, most notably through his iconic final performance, which will leave an enduring legacy for our ailing children." They mourned the loss of "a friend, Birmingham a son, and the world a musical legend."
Central BID Birmingham described him as "a genuine icon and a beloved son of Birmingham," while Lyle Bignon, a night-time economy ambassador in Birmingham, said, "Rising from Birmingham's working-class roots to leading one of the world's biggest bands, and in the process creating an entirely new genre, Ozzy's place in popular music and culture is eternally etched."
Comic Con Midlands, where Osbourne had met fans just weeks ago, stressed that he was more than a rock star; he was "a piece of Birmingham's soul, whose impact on music, culture, and generations of fans will forever resonate."
Birmingham City University, which had posted images from June at the Freedom of the City event honoring Black Sabbath's connection to Birmingham, called him a "Brummie legend." They further stated, "The Prince of Darkness... positioned our city on the global map."
