Sharon Osbourne has paid tribute to her late husband, the iconic Ozzy Osbourne, during the inaugural “Ozzy Day” celebration held in Birmingham. The event was organised to honour the legacy of the Black Sabbath frontman, who passed away at the age of 76 last year. Speaking in an interview with BBC Radio WM, Sharon reflected on Ozzy’s enduring humour, charisma, and authenticity.
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Marking one year since his death, Sharon, now 73, shared her hopes that fans would remember Ozzy not just for his music but also for the joy he brought into their lives. “Remember how funny he was — funny and charismatic and real,” she urged. According to Sharon, Ozzy once said, “when you want to remember me, just yank up the music really loud, as loud as you can get it, and just head bang.” This encapsulated his spirit, which remained genuine throughout his life.
Sharon further elaborated on how Ozzy never tried to masquerade as someone he was not. “He would tell you the truth about everything and that was him. You knew where you were with him,” she explained. Their relationship included the usual ups and downs, but they always managed to find laughter, even in difficult times. “We could have the worst arguments in the world,” she noted, “but we would end up laughing because he would say something so ridiculous that we would just crack up.”
Ozzy Osbourne’s death on July 22, 2025, was attributed to several health complications, including cardiac arrest and Parkinson’s disease. While it was a tragic end to a remarkable life, Sharon assured that Ozzy’s commitment to charitable causes would endure. His final concert at Villa Park in July 2025 successfully raised funds for three key charities: Cure Parkinson’s, Acorns Children’s Hospice, and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Sharon has vowed to continue supporting these charities, emphasising the urgent need for Parkinson’s research. “People don’t realise it’s more and more prevalent,” she stated, highlighting the importance of awareness and action regarding the disease.
The first-ever “Ozzy Day” was held in Birmingham on July 22, a fitting tribute to the city that Ozzy called home. The celebration featured live performances of Black Sabbath classics, orchestral arrangements, and gatherings of dedicated heavy metal fans. Sharon spoke to the significance of Birmingham in Ozzy’s life, calling it the “home of metal.” “He loved this city, he loved its people. He was proud of being a Brummie,” she noted, asserting that such a celebration could not occur anywhere else.
The event not only served as a commemoration of Ozzy’s contributions to music but also as a gathering point for fans and supporters of the heavy metal genre. It was a day filled with shared memories, music, and the profound impact Ozzy had on the lives of many.
In concluding her heartfelt tribute, Sharon described Ozzy as a “real bloke” with a generous spirit. “He wanted to give back,” she remarked, reiterating how much he cared about the community and the causes he supported. As the celebrations continue in honour of Ozzy’s legacy, his influence on music and charity will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.