The opening of an exhibition celebrating the career of Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath's home city was an emotional moment for him, his wife Sharon Osbourne said. She opened The Working Class Hero exhibition at Birmingham's Museum and Art Gallery on Wednesday. "I can't begin to tell you how much I love it," she said of the new show. Everything has come from this city." Heavy metal pioneers Black Sabbath, who formed in Birmingham in 1968, are set to playa highly anticipated final reunion gigin the city next month. Theyposted a photo on X this weekof their rehearsals and Mrs Osbourne said the event at Villa Park would be the perfect way to say goodbye. The band are a much-loved Brummie institution and, in the lead-up to the gig,muralsandexhibitionshave sprung up or are planned around the city. Mrs Osbourne said that, even though the band had enjoyed so much international success, it was important that the free exhibition launched in Birmingham. "It just wouldn't be right if [it launched] in New York or Los Angeles... because it all began here and this is where it belongs," she told BBC Radio WM. She looked delighted as she cut a black ribbon to officially open the show. The exhibition, which runs until 28 September, includes Osbourne's Grammys and platinum discs, as well as photos and videos that chart his rise from his roots in Aston to global fame. "He's overwhelmed... he can't believe it," Mrs Osbourne said of her husband's reaction to "the love" for him in the city ahead of the gig. She added that he was feeling "emotional" about the farewell show, because he was "excited to be with the guys in Sabbath [again] and they're all having a great time together, but it's hard to say goodbye." Black Sabbath was founded by singer Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Terence "Geezer" Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. They are often credited with inventing heavy metal music and won a lifetime achievement award at the Grammys in 2019. Mrs Osbourne said she hoped the exhibition would inspire young Brummies and make them think: "If Ozzy did it, I can do it too." She added: "Everybody said he'll end up in a factory and die in a factory. And no, he wanted more from his life. He wanted to travel, he wanted to entertain, and look at what he did." Osbourne, 76, has largely had to stop touring in recent yearsdue to a combination of Parkinson's disease and spinal injuries. But his wife said of next month's gig: "I just think that the crowd are going to carry him, they're going to sing with him, and it's just going to be a great celebration." Follow BBC Birmingham onBBC Sounds,Facebook,XandInstagram.
Ozzy exhibition emotional moment - Sharon Osbourne
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The opening of the "Working Class Hero" exhibition celebrating Ozzy Osbourne’s illustrious career took place in Birmingham, the birthplace of Black Sabbath, and was a deeply emotional event for both Osbourne and his wife, Sharon. Sharon Osbourne expressed her overwhelming love for the exhibition, which she highlighted as a tribute to the band's roots in the city. The exhibition showcases a variety of memorabilia including Grammy awards and platinum discs, alongside photographs and videos that illustrate Ozzy's journey from his humble beginnings in Aston to his rise as a global music icon. This exhibition is significant as it aligns with Black Sabbath's upcoming final reunion concert in Birmingham, which is highly anticipated by fans. Sharon emphasized the importance of launching the exhibition in Birmingham, stating that it would not have felt right to do so elsewhere, given that the band's legacy began in their hometown.
As the exhibition runs until September 28, it has become a focal point for fans celebrating the band's history. Sharon described her husband's emotional state ahead of the farewell gig, noting that he feels overwhelmed by the love and support he has received from the community. Despite facing health challenges in recent years, including Parkinson's disease and spinal injuries, Ozzy is looking forward to the reunion concert, where Sharon believes the crowd will uplift him and create a memorable celebration. Sharon also expressed her hope that the exhibition will inspire young people in Birmingham, encouraging them to pursue their dreams regardless of their background. She recounted how others once doubted Ozzy's potential, predicting he would end up in a factory, contrasting that with his successful career in music. The legacy of Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne continues to resonate deeply within Birmingham, reinforcing the city’s significance in the history of heavy metal music.
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