Sharon Osbourne spent hours in one of Birmingham's most unconventional bars ahead of Ozzy Day celebrations, marking the first anniversary of the Black Sabbath frontman's death.
Ozzy Day Celebrations
Ozzy Day, the first annual celebration of the life of Ozzy Osbourne, took place on July 22, exactly one year after his death. Throughout the city, numerous venues and events were organized to honor the iconic musician, with Sharon Osbourne heading to Birmingham to pay tribute to her late husband.
Her visit included a trip to Martineau Place, a shopping area facing demolition to make way for two new towers and public spaces. There, she visited Merlin's Cafe Bar, a horror-themed alternative food and drink venue filled with spooky artwork and sinister props.
Meeting at Merlin's Cafe Bar
Sharon took time to meet the owners and spent hours in the venue, mingling with heavy metal fans. Ozzy was a founding member of Black Sabbath, the Aston band renowned for creating the global heavy metal genre.
Martin Fox, owner of Merlin's Cafe Bar, hosts regular club nights and events for heavy metal fans, providing nights out for those in the subculture sparked by Ozzy. He posted a photo with Sharon on social media, writing: "Yesterday was the most emotional day we've experienced since opening the doors to Merlins. Together with our family and friends, we had the honour of welcoming Sharon Osbourne to our humble bar - and we're delighted to say she absolutely loved it. We spent four unforgettable hours sharing joy, laughter, and even a few tears. Sharon is truly one of the most incredible women in the world, and it was a privilege to spend that time with her. Thank you, Sharon Osbourne, for making such wonderful memories with us. And to our amazing Merlins family - thank you for helping make this a day we'll never forget."
Fans Pay Tribute
Fans have been invited to write letters to Ozzy and place them in the Merlin's Cafe Bar post box, with Sharon promising to put them on Ozzy's grave. Elsewhere in the city, fans flocked to other popular sites where Ozzy's memory endures, including Black Sabbath Bridge and Bench, where flowers were placed to mark the anniversary. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, where many of the star's awards and treasures are kept, also saw visitors.
An inflatable Ozzy, which had been on display at his final gig at Villa Park Stadium on July 5 last year, was erected on Victoria Square. The brass band that accompanied Ozzy's coffin along Broad Street for his funeral procession performed his iconic songs at various locations throughout the city.
