For many heavy metal fans around the world, July has taken on a new significance. Not only is it the month in which Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath took their final bow with Back to the Beginning at Villa Park. An epic show that will no doubt go down in history as one of the most star-studded and poignant live music events of all time. But July also marks the death of the Prince of Darkness himself, who passed away just sixteen days later on July 22nd. Leaving a hole in the music industry and the hearts of metalheads everywhere that will never be filled.
To mark the one year anniversary of his passing. The city of Birmingham are holding the first ever #OzzyDay today in his honour. Featuring a full day of activities. Including live music, public art, special performances, a tribute walk from Villa Park to Black Sabbath bench and much, much more!
Birmingham’s Bostin Brass band, who accompanied Ozzy’s funeral procession down Broad Street are set to stage pop-up performances at various locations around the city. Including New Street, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Selfridge’s, at the iconic Black Sabbath Bench and in Martineau Place. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra are getting in on the festivities too. With a special show scheduled to take place at midday outside Selfridge’s in The Bullring.
Local rock bar, Merlins Cafe will be cranking the volume to 11. Dedicating themselves to all things Ozzy related for the entire weekend. Having set up a special tribute wall. As well as a post box where fans can leave letters for the Osbourne family.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery’s free Working Class Hero exhibit remains open too. Having just added Ozzy’s throne from Back to the Beginning to the already stunning array of memorabilia on display. You can head over and meet Ozzy the Bull. Who will be specially dressed for the occasion and posing for free Polaroids from 11am-2pm and 3pm-6pm. On top of all that. You can also check out a gallery from Sabbaths farewell show last year. Which is located just upstairs from Ozzy the Bull, tucked away on the second floor of Birmingham’s busiest train station. Featuring pictures taken throughout the day by Mark Weiss and Ross Halfin.
On the first-year anniversary of Ozzy Osbourne’s death, Dr Asya Draganova, Senior Lecturer in Popular Music Culture at Birmingham City University, gave her thoughts on the singer’s legacy, alongside his impact on the cultural heritage of Birmingham- “His main legacy is his authenticity which remained until his passing – his honesty, openness and humour made him an irresistible figure in popular culture,” says Dr Draganova.
She added: “It’s clear that the ongoing tributes to him, as well as the echoing significance of his final performance with Black Sabbath, have become organic leaders of transformation for the city of Birmingham, which is becoming more and more aware of the possibilities for developing its cultural signature and placing music right at the centre of it.”
“The bench on the Black Sabbath Bridge has become a place of pilgrimage and a permanent impromptu shrine in Ozzy’s memory, but I believe there is a case for a more permanent space dedicated to him and Sabbath, and their remarkable music heritage.”
“Over the last year, I’ve discussed Ozzy’s legacy with musicians, cultural activists and industry figures, and one thing has emerged; Ozzy remains a symbol from which we will all continue to draw inspiration from, long into the future.”
With Ozzy having meant so much to many of us. To see such an outpouring of love and respect being paid to the Prince of Darkness in his hometown is truly heartwarming and we can only hope that #OzzyDay becomes a permanent fixture on Birmingham’s calendar.
If you’re at a loss for something to do. Or, as many of us were a year ago today, simply at a loss for words. Head down to the nations second city and join what’s sure to be an unforgettable day!
