Black Sabbath fans can pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne in a special book of condolence in his home city of Birmingham. They can also sing and record messages as a ‘voice note of condolence’.
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery has opened the book of condolence for RIP messages in its historic Round Room. A vintage red phone sits nearby for fans who want to record audio tributes.
It is steps away from the Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero exhibition that is currently on display and features a lifetime of awards, memories and photos of the heavy metal icon.
Ozzy’s family announced yesterday(July 22) that the singer had died surrounded by loved ones. It came weeks after he and the other founding members of Black Sabbath – Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward – were awarded Freedom of the City of Birmingham on June 28, and the band’s final Back To The Beginning concert at Villa Park on July 5.
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 and 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.”
Since the announcement of his death, fans have been paying tribute to Ozzy with flowers, poignant messages and personal items next to his signature and image on the Black Sabbath mural in Navigation Street, along with at Black Sabbath bench in Broad Street.
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.
The free exhibition continues until September 28 as part of Summer of Sabbath, showcasing 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 plaques.
In recognition of his career achievements, the Osbourne family provided a selection of his platinum and gold discs for the exhibition to help chart his journey from “a working-class kid from Aston” to becoming the world’s most recognisable global rock legend.
Black Sabbath were recognised with the freedom of the city honour by Birmingham City Council for playing a significant role in 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.
Photo of Ozzy Osbourne profile courtesy of Ross Halfin.