Fans from around the world converged on Birmingham on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, to mark the first annual 'Ozzy Day' in memory of Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, who died a year ago at age 76 from a cardiac arrest. The city hosted a series of events including live performances, special sales, and fan gatherings, drawing thousands to celebrate the life of the iconic rock star.
Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy's wife, traveled to Birmingham to participate in the commemorations. She visited Merlin's Cafe Bar on Martineau Place on Tuesday, July 21, spending hours with fans. There, she signed a special post box and encouraged fans to share cards and memories, promising to place them on Ozzy's grave. She also visited charities that benefited from Ozzy's final concert, including Birmingham Children's Hospice, Acorn's Children's Hospice, and Cure Parkinson's.
Global Fan Tributes
Among the attendees was Jessica Martinez, who flew from Colorado, USA, specifically for Ozzy Day. She told BirminghamLive, 'Ozzy means so much to me for so many reasons. I've been a fan for 40 plus years and I came all this way from Colorado to celebrate his day. I love Birmingham, I love everybody here. I see why everybody loved him and why he loved where he was from.'
University student Tamas Garvey was on Black Sabbath Bridge when Bostin Brass, the band that accompanied Ozzy's coffin on his final journey through Birmingham, performed covers like 'Crazy Train.' Garvey said, 'Ozzy was a great ambassador for the city of Birmingham, with Black Sabbath and later in his media career. He always wanted to put Birmingham first and he had so many iconic songs.'
City-Wide Celebrations
A giant inflatable Ozzy appeared on Victoria Square, reminiscent of the one outside Villa Park Stadium for his 'Back To The Beginning' concert last July. At Selfridges, special merchandise bearing an image of Ozzy from his final performance at Villa Park was on sale. Fans gathered at New Street's 'Ozzy the Bull' statue for photos, and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra performed Black Sabbath hits in the Bullring shopping centre.
An exhibition at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery continued to attract visitors, showcasing Ozzy's legacy. The day's events highlighted the deep connection between the star and his hometown.
Tributes from Fellow Black Sabbath Members
Guitarist Tony Iommi paid tribute on the anniversary, saying, '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 hometown of Birmingham. There will never be another Ozzy. I miss you my dear friend.'
The first Ozzy Day confirmed Birmingham's enduring role as the spiritual home of heavy metal, with fans from across the globe united in remembrance of a legend who always put his city first.
