The first Ozzy Day brought crowds to Birmingham as fans of Ozzy Osbourne united to celebrate the life of the late Black Sabbath star a year on from his death. The late rocker died on July 22, 2025, aged 76, but his legacy continues through his legion of fans.
Sharon Osbourne Joins Thousands in Birmingham
Wife Sharon Osbourne was among the thousands commemorating his memory in Birmingham on Wednesday. After Ozzy's son Jack asked fans to share their favourite memories of his dad, many lined the streets near his beloved Villa Park. Many travelled from around the globe to join the celebration, just as they did on July 5 last year for his final performance at Back To The Beginning.
Birmingham ensured a day fit for the Prince of Darkness, with streets awash with Ozzy memorabilia. Among the celebrations were live performances across the city, special sales, and fan meet-ups. Fans gathered at Ozzy the Bull in the centre, taking photos with the statue specially dressed for the occasion.
Inflatable Ozzy and Musical Tributes
An inflatable Ozzy Osbourne stood tall as part of the celebrations. The five-piece Bostin Brass band, which performed at his funeral procession, once again played on the streets of Birmingham. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) performed a special show dedicated to Osbourne in the Bullring. At midday on Ozzy Day, Merlin's Cafe Bar in Martineau Place announced it would be dedicated to all things Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, a celebration planned to continue through the weekend.
The city revealed a Black Sabbath trail fans could follow to ensure they ticked off everything happening on the celebration and took in all the murals of the late star.
Emotional Sharon Osbourne Speaks Out
An emotional Sharon opened up to the BBC about the importance of marking the occasion and being present. Holding back tears, she said: "I can't forget what Birmingham did for Ozzy." She added that she wanted people to "remember how funny he was - funny and charismatic and real." Sharon 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'."
In the build-up to Ozzy Day, Sharon visited Birmingham Children's Hospice, Acorn's Children's Hospice, and Cure Parkinson's. On the eve of Ozzy Day, she was in Merlins Cafe Bar and raised a glass to her late husband. She shared a video on Instagram and said: "Okay, Ozzy's beer. I never drink beer, but I f***ing am now. Cheers to Ozzy," as she took a swig from the Hobson's Brewery bottle.
Tributes Around the World
Floral tributes were also laid at Ozzy's Hollywood Blvd Star in Los Angeles to mark Ozzy Day. Ozzy's former Black Sabbath bandmate Tony Iommi paid tribute on social media. He wrote on X: "Well, it's now a year since Ozzy's passing and I still can't believe that he's not with us. I watch him on YouTube and it feels like he's still here with us. We always stayed in touch, almost every week or so and we'd usually talk about our ailments and then about what we'd been doing that particular week."
"The fans have been absolutely brilliant and the love and respect that they have shown for him has just been amazing. I'm so glad that we were able to play one final show with the original line up of Sabbath at the Back To The Beginning show in our home town of Birmingham! There will never be another Ozzy. I miss you my dear friend."
Geezer Butler also said: "One year ago today- hard to believe. I am so glad we were able to do the final show, back in our hometown, just a couple of weeks before Ozzy left us. Gone in body, but his legend lives on. Such incredible memories. Ozzy forever!"
Daughter Kelly admitted she misses her dad Ozzy with "every part of her soul." She said: "Today, I sit here beside you in a way I never thought would be possible. I know you are still with me. I feel you in the quiet, in the wind, in every song that stops me in my tracks, is [sic] the smell of your cologne and in every moment that love outweighs grief. You are all around me."
She added: "Now all I have are memories. But my God, what beautiful memories they are. Even through all the madness we lived through, you somehow made every moment worthwhile... And now I carry all of that love with nowhere to place it except within me, my son, and mumma," she said, adding: "It aches every single day, but it is also the greatest privilege of my life. To have loved someone so completely."
