Ozzy Osbourne Receives Birmingham Lord Mayor's Posthumous Award

A civic honour in Birmingham shines a light on Ozzy Osbourne's deep connection to the city. His family will receive a posthumous Lord Mayor's Award on the anniversary of what would have been his 77th birthday, alongside a private condolence book for them to keep.

The Lord Mayor's Award is among Birmingham's most senior civic honours and is given to mark significant cultural contributions. The presentation will take place at a private ceremony on the birthday date, underscoring Osbourne's lasting influence on his hometown.

A book of condolence, signed by fans from around the world, will also be handed to the Osbournes during the ceremony as a tribute to his global popularity and local roots.

A family spokesman said: "Ozzy was deeply loved by the people of Birmingham, and his hometown continues to be inspired by his music."

Born in the Aston area of Birmingham, Osbourne rose to worldwide fame as the lead singer of the pioneering metal group Black Sabbath, before forging a successful solo career that extended his reach beyond the band.

He passed away in July at the age of 76, just days after Sabbath wound up their farewell tour. Thousands of fans lined the streets to pay their respects as his coffin moved through the city he loved.

The city’s popularity also shows in the nation’s enthusiasm for Osbourne’s life story. Since July, the Working Class Hero exhibition at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery has drawn almost 400,000 visitors, celebrating his impact on music and culture.

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, remarked: "Ozzy was and always will be a proud and much-missed son of Birmingham. Although celebrated worldwide, he never forgot his Brummy roots, and I am honoured to present the award to his family as a fitting tribute to all he did for our city."

Earlier this year, the four members of Sabbath—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—were granted the Freedom of the City, a ceremonial honour acknowledging their profound impact on Birmingham’s cultural landscape.

Expert comment: A Birmingham-based music historian notes that Osbourne’s influence reaches far beyond the stage, helping to define the city as a global hub for heavy metal. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of fans.

Summary: Birmingham pays tribute to Ozzy Osbourne with a posthumous Lord Mayor's Award and a condolence book, reflecting his deep ties to the city. A major exhibition at the city museum has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors, underscoring his enduring cultural impact. The latest honours for Black Sabbath members reinforce Birmingham’s pride in its musical icons.

Ozzy Osbourne’s enduring link to Birmingham is celebrated through civic honours and a major museum show, highlighting the city’s lasting musical identity. Source