Birmingham City Council Leaders pay moving tribute to music legend Ozzy Osbourne

The Library of Birmingham lit up purple last night in honour of the music legend in a move designed to pay tribute to his extraordinary life and passion as the city mourns and comes to terms with this sad loss.

A book of condolence has been set up in Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) where a Black Sabbath exhibition is currently open to the public. A digital book of condolence is also available to sign. Another book of condolence has opened up at Villa Park, the venue for his farewell concert earlier this month.

Opened last month by Ozzy’s wife, Sharon, the BMAG exhibition has been attracting fans from all over the world to see photography and artefacts donated by the band.

Only last month, and just a week before his sell-out concert at Villa Park on July 5, Ozzy, along with founding members of Black Sabbath, were awarded Freedom of the City Birmingham during a special civic reception at Birmingham City Council.

This honour recognised Black Sabbath’s significance to the cultural and musical identity of Birmingham, their strong association with the city, and continued influence as pioneers of heavy metal in both Birmingham and beyond.

City Leaders were first in line to sign the special book of condolence at BMAG to mark Ozzy’s incredible life.

Lord Mayor of Birmingham City Council, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, said:

“On behalf of Birmingham City Council and all the people of our great city, we come together with deep sadness to remember his life and legacy.

“Only last month Ozzy was here at the Council House to accept Freedom of the City Birmingham, and just before his sell-out concert at Villa Park, where he was performing his final show. He carried the spirit of our community wherever he went.

“We extend our heartfelt and sincere condolences to his family and friends and everyone who loved him. Thank you Ozzy, you will always be honoured as a true legend of Birmingham.

Council Leader, Councillor John Cotton, said:

“Ozzy was a fantastic advocate for the city of Birmingham and we are so shocked and saddened to hear of his death.

“Ozzy came from humble beginnings, in Aston, but that in no way deterred his passion and drive to break through the tough rock music scene of the 1970s and make it all the way to the top.

“Birmingham is a better place for the sheer brilliance he brought to the city and now we honour his life and legacy.

“Our sincere condolences go out to his wife, Sharon, and their children who will be heartened to see the outpour of love and respect for Ozzy across the city and indeed the whole globe.”

Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, Councillor Sharon Thompson, said:

“Ozzy was more than a musician, he was a proud son of Birmingham.

"From very humble beginnings in Aston, he brought the world Black Sabbath and inspired generations to follow.

“He put Birmingham firmly on the global map. He spoke to the whole world about his pride as a Brummie and we will never forget him.

“He was a proud Brummie through and through. As he would always say, ‘Birmingham Forever’.

Birmingham City Council’s Managing Director, Joanne Roney, added:

“It was so important for me to come along and sign the book of condolence and mark the life of a truly inspirational Brummie.

“Meeting Ozzy here at the Council last month to attend the Freedom of the City Birmingham civic reception was a true honour and will stay with me for the rest of my life.

“He captured the essence of the Brummie spirit; kind, compassionate and caring with a deep sense of love for family and friends and with a wonderful sense of humour that lit up the room.

“He was proud to be from Birmingham and mentioned us all the time and inspired a whole generation of creatives that will live on as part of his legacy.”

The book of condolence is now open at BMAG’s Round Room for fans to pay tribute, and where fans can also visit Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero exhibition.

About the exhibition:

The exhibition, Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero, celebrates the solo achievements and global awards of the rock icon and the album art of the original Black Sabbath line-up.

It opened at the museum on Wednesday 25 June to coincide with the historic homecoming concert at Villa Park on Saturday 5 July.

The free exhibition showcases Ozzy’s most prestigious international honours – including Grammy Awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame accolades, MTV awards, Hollywood Walk of Fame and Birmingham Walk of Stars honours and a selection of his platinum and gold discs which recognise millions of record sales around the world, alongside photography and video that charts his journey from “a working-class kid from Aston” to becoming the world’s most recognisable global rock legend.

Zak Mensah and Sara Wajid, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, said:

“We are shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Ozzy Osbourne less than three weeks after he played at Villa Park on 5 July, when he and Black Sabbath said their last goodbye to the stage. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

“We know that many fans will want to pay tribute to him and we are honoured to be hosting a book of condolence at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, alongside the current exhibition showcasing his solo achievements and global awards.

“While this is a sad time, we want to continue to celebrate Ozzy, his legacy and what he means to the city and beyond.”