Birmingham marks Ozzy Osbourne first death anniversary

Family, friends, and fans of Ozzy Osbourne marked the first anniversary of the rock legend's death on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, with a city-wide celebration in his hometown of Birmingham, England, and a global call to celebrate his life and music. Osbourne, the iconic Black Sabbath frontman known as the Prince of Darkness, died on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76.

His widow, Sharon Osbourne, speaking to BBC Radio West Midlands, urged fans to honor him by playing his music as loud as possible. She relayed his own words, saying he would tell people, "When you want to remember me, just yank up the music really loud, as loud as you can get it, and just headbang." She remembered her husband as authentic, genuine, and funny, a man who never pretended to be anything other than himself.

The city of Birmingham declared July 22 the first official "Ozzy Day," hosting a free program of live music, public art installations, and pop-up performances across the city center. Sharon Osbourne emphasized the significance of the location, stating it was the home of metal and Ozzy's home. Events included performances by the Bostin' Brass band and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, while...