Birmingham, United Kingdom – On the solemn first anniversary of the passing of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, his Black Sabbath bandmate Tony Iommi and widow Sharon Osbourne have shared heartfelt tributes, reflecting on the indelible mark the "Prince of Darkness" left on music and his beloved hometown. Ozzy Osbourne died on July 22, 2025, a poignant fortnight after what proved to be a historic reunion concert with the original Black Sabbath lineup.
A Year of Reflection and Remembrance
Tony Iommi, the iconic guitarist and co-founder of Black Sabbath, took to social media to express his enduring disbelief and profound sense of loss. "Well, it’s now a year since Ozzy’s passing and I still can’t believe that he’s not with us," Iommi wrote, his words echoing the sentiment of countless fans worldwide. "I watch him on YouTube and it feels like he’s still here with us." The guitarist reminisced about their close bond, noting their regular conversations, often revolving around their shared health struggles and weekly updates. "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."
Iommi also acknowledged the overwhelming support from the Black Sabbath fanbase. "The fans have been absolutely brilliant and the love and respect that they have shown for him has just been amazing." A particular source of solace for Iommi was the band’s final performance with the original lineup. "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!" He concluded his tribute with a deeply personal sentiment: "There will never be another Ozzy. I miss you my dear friend."
Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s devoted wife and manager, spoke with the BBC to commemorate the anniversary, urging fans to remember her husband by embracing his passion for music. "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 headbang,’" she shared, encapsulating Ozzy’s larger-than-life persona.
Reflecting on the legendary heavy metal singer’s character, Sharon emphasized his authenticity. "He was authentic. He never tried to be anything other than what he was, and he would tell you the truth about everything and that was him, you knew where you were with him. He was just genuine, so genuine and funny." She fondly recalled their dynamic, stating, "I mean, we could have the worst arguments in the world but we would end up laughing because he would say something so ridiculous that we would just crack up."
Birmingham Honors Its Rock Legend: A City Transformed
In a fitting tribute to one of its most celebrated sons, Ozzy Osbourne’s hometown of Birmingham has officially designated July 22nd as "Ozzy Day," marking the first annual celebration of the iconic singer’s life and legacy. The Birmingham City Council has orchestrated a comprehensive program of events, transforming the city into a living testament to the "Prince of Darkness."
The day-long commemoration features a free public program encompassing live music, public art installations, special performances, and opportunities for shared moments celebrating Osbourne’s profound impact on music and his deep connection to his roots. The council’s initiative aims to immerse residents and visitors in the spirit of the Aston-born rock legend.
Activities are scheduled to take place across Birmingham city center, guiding attendees through locations that hold significance in Osbourne’s journey. These include the now-famous Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge, the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Birmingham New Street Station, the Bullring shopping center, Selfridges, and Martineau Place.
Musical tributes will be a central theme of Ozzy Day. The BOSTIN BRASS, a five-piece brass band that played a role in Osbourne’s funeral procession, will deliver a series of pop-up performances throughout the day. In addition, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) will hold a live performance at the Bullring, further amplifying the musical celebration.
A unique visual tribute will be the appearance of "Ozzy The Bull," the prominent mechanical bull that was a highlight of the 2022 Commonwealth Games and subsequently named in honor of Osbourne. The iconic figure will be specially adorned for the occasion, serving as a symbolic centerpiece for the city’s homage.
Adding a touch of exclusive memorabilia, a limited-edition t-shirt will be available for purchase exclusively on Ozzy Day. The shirt will feature an image of Osbourne captured during the "Back To The Beginning" concert, with the reverse side bearing a comprehensive list of all 52 shows he performed in Birmingham, encompassing both his Black Sabbath and solo career endeavors.
Sharon Osbourne expressed her pride in Birmingham’s commitment to honoring her husband. "This is the home of metal," she told the BBC. "It’s Ozzy’s home, it’s where he was born, what he loved and [‘Ozzy Day’] wouldn’t work anywhere else. He loved this city, he loved its people. He was proud of being a Brummie and that’s it."
Councillor Deborah Harries, cabinet member for culture for the Birmingham City Council, articulated the city’s perspective: "Ozzy Osbourne is one of Birmingham’s foremost cultural figures, and we continue to honor his legacy here in the city, where his journey began. I am glad to see the city partners coming together to celebrate Ozzy’s influence on music and his pride in his hometown." Harries further highlighted the significance of Black Sabbath’s contribution to Birmingham, referencing their receipt of the Freedom Of The City award on June 30, 2025. "All of these anniversary events are an opportunity for residents and visitors to celebrate this legacy, while showcasing the creativity, culture and character that make Birmingham so special."
A Final Performance and a Legacy Immortalized
Ozzy Osbourne’s death certificate confirmed that he passed away from a heart attack, exacerbated by coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease, as filed in London. His private funeral service was held on July 31, 2025, at his expansive estate in Buckinghamshire, England. The intimate ceremony was attended by a select group of 110 friends and family members, including his Black Sabbath bandmates and notable figures from the music industry such as Robert Trujillo (Metallica), Rob Zombie, Zakk Wylde, Marilyn Manson, and Corey Taylor (Slipknot).
The day prior to the private funeral, Birmingham witnessed an outpouring of public grief as thousands of fans gathered in the streets to pay their respects. Sharon Osbourne, alongside her children Aimée, Kelly, and Jack, joined the mourners in an emotional public tribute to the beloved rock icon.
The "Back To The Beginning" charity concert, held on July 5, 2025, in their original hometown of Birmingham, United Kingdom, marked Ozzy Osbourne’s final public performance. This event saw the reunion of the original Black Sabbath lineup: guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward.
At the "Back To The Beginning" concert, Osbourne delivered a powerful five-song solo set accompanied by his band, featuring guitarist Zakk Wylde, bassist Mike Inez, keyboardist Adam Wakeman, and drummer Tommy Clufetos. The setlist included four tracks from his 1980 solo debut album "Blizzard of Ozz" – "I Don’t Know," "Mr. Crowley," "Suicide Solution," and "Crazy Train" – along with the 1991 ballad "Mama, I’m Coming Home" from "No More Tears."
Following his solo performance, Osbourne was joined by Iommi, Butler, and Ward to perform four classic Black Sabbath anthems: "War Pigs," "Iron Man," "N.I.B.," and "Paranoid." The 76-year-old singer, performing from a black throne, appeared visibly moved by the occasion. "You have no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart," he conveyed to the adoring crowd, a sentiment that resonated deeply with all present.
The "Back To The Beginning" concert, in retrospect, served as a poignant full circle for the legendary frontman, bringing him back to the city that forged his unparalleled career and allowed him one last chance to connect with his devoted fanbase and his foundational bandmates. The events of July 22, 2025, and the subsequent "Ozzy Day" in Birmingham, underscore the enduring legacy of a man who not only defined a genre but also remained deeply connected to his origins, leaving an indelible impact on the global music landscape and his hometown alike. The photo credit for the accompanying imagery of the article is attributed to Ross Halfin.
