Ozzy Osbourne is set to receive Birmingham’s Lord Mayor’s Award posthumously this week on what would have been his 77th birthday.
As per Metal Injection, the prestigious accolade will be presented by Lord Mayor Zafar Iqbal MBE and Deputy Lord Mayor Ken Wood, with members of the Osbourne family attending to accept the honour on behalf of the Prince of Darkness.
The Lord Mayor’s Award recognises “outstanding achievement or exceptional service to the city and people of Birmingham,” making it a fitting tribute for the heavy metal icon who carried his hometown pride throughout his legendary career.
Iqbal announced the news via social media, stating: “On 3 December—Ozzy Osbourne’s birthday—his family will receive the Lord Mayor’s Award in a heartfelt tribute to his life and legacy. From Aston to the world stage, Ozzy defined heavy metal and carried Birmingham in his heart every step of the way. Ozzy forever!”
Osbourne, who passed away on July 22nd following long-term health struggles, had remained remarkably active in his final months. Despite his declining health, he managed one last triumphant return to his Birmingham roots with a farewell performance at Villa Park on July 5th. The concert, titled ‘Back to the Beginning’, served as a star-studded tribute celebrating both his solo career and his era-defining work with Black Sabbath.
Birmingham has consistently honoured its most famous son throughout the years. The city already features a commemorative bridge and bench dedicated to Osbourne, while Black Sabbath received their own recognition earlier this year with a permanent art installation. The installation was unveiled and personally signed by all four original members around the time of their farewell appearance, cementing their place in Birmingham’s cultural landscape.
The timing of this week’s award ceremony holds particular significance, coinciding with what would have been Osbourne’s 77th birthday.
