Birmingham has posthumously honoured rock legend Ozzy Osbourne with the city’s highest civic award on what would have been his 77th birthday. The Lord Mayor’s Award was presented to Osbourne’s daughter, Kelly, in a private ceremony on behalf of the late musician.
Deputy Lord Mayor Ken Wood presented the award, alongside the city’s books of condolence, which contain thousands of messages sent after Osbourne’s death in July. Kelly Osbourne described the occasion as emotional and said Birmingham held a special place in her father’s heart.
“Birmingham is so special to him, and never in my wildest dreams did I expect the outpouring of love that we received,” she told BBC Radio WM. “There is no place like Brum.”
Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife of 43 years, also paid tribute to her late husband on social media. She wrote, “I will never let go of your hand until I see you on the other side. My darling husband, I celebrate the day you were born.”
The Lord Mayor’s Award recognises individuals and groups for outstanding achievement or exceptional service to Birmingham and its people. In Ozzy’s case, it acknowledges his significant contributions to the city’s cultural and musical identity.
Born and raised in Aston, Ozzy Osbourne achieved global fame as the lead singer of pioneering heavy metal band Black Sabbath and later as a solo artist. His impact on music and popular culture made him one of Birmingham’s most iconic figures.
“He was the people’s person, he never changed, and was always the working-class hero,” Kelly Osbourne said. “He never thought he was better than anybody else, he just loved what he did so much, entertaining and making people happy. My dad has shown the world not just Birmingham, but Birmingham particularly, that you can be a boy from Aston and be everything.”
Following his death, floral tributes appeared across Birmingham, including at the Black Sabbath Bridge on Broad Street, reflecting the city’s deep connection to its legendary musician.
When asked about other ways to memorialise her father in Birmingham, Kelly suggested naming the city’s airport after him. “He deserves that so much he really does. I would purposely fly into Ozzy Osbourne airport every single time and take the two-hour drive back to my house, just so that I could land in an airport named after my father,” she said.
The civic honour comes after all four members of Black Sabbath were awarded the Freedom of the City of Birmingham ahead of their farewell concert, Back to the Beginning, at Villa Park on July 5.
Kelly reflected on accepting the award on her father’s behalf as a bittersweet moment. “I wish my father was here to receive this award. It was one of his proudest moments, and he knew he was getting this award before he passed,” she said. “I don’t think my father, in his wildest dreams, would have ever imagined that Birmingham would embrace him the way that it has.”
The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, said Ozzy will always be “a proud and much-missed son of Birmingham.” He praised the musician for remaining connected to his Brummie roots despite achieving worldwide success.
“Having achieved worldwide success, he never forgot his Brummie roots, so I am honoured to present the award to his family in a fitting tribute of everything he has done for our city,” the Lord Mayor said. “Ozzy forever.”
Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy continues to resonate in Birmingham, where fans and family alike celebrate his life and achievements. From his rise as the frontman of Black Sabbath to his enduring influence on rock music and popular culture, Ozzy remains an enduring symbol of the city’s artistic and cultural heritage.
The posthumous recognition not only celebrates his contributions to music but also highlights the deep bond between Ozzy Osbourne and the city that shaped him. Through tributes, awards, and the memories held by fans and family, his impact on Birmingham and the world endures.
