Ozzy Osbourne: Birmingham meant 'everything', ozzy osbourne’s family say
Sharon Osbourne said Birmingham meant "everything" to ozzy osbourne, noting he was born and raised in the Aston area and never forgot his hometown. Kelly Osbourne joined her on the Brits red carpet and the pair reflected on the tribute, the family’s gratitude and Sharon’s account of his final days.
Ozzy Osbourne's Birmingham roots
Sharon told the that Ozzy Osbourne "loved being a Brummie, he was very proud of where he came from and never ever forgot. " She said he came "from a small working class neighbourhood in Birmingham" and that "he rose to become one of the most recognisable and respected musicians. " Sharon added that "wherever we were in the world, he was always proud to be that working class Brummie and he never let anyone forget it, " and quoted him saying that "northern people are the most loyal people in the world, and it's true. "
Brits tribute and speech
Osbourne was posthumously honoured with a Lifetime Achievement award at the ceremony in Manchester, which closed with an all-star tribute performance led by Robbie Williams. Sharon curated the performance, which was backed by a band that included Metallica's Robert Trujillo and Ozzy's long time guitarist Zakk Wylde. In an emotional speech accepting the award, Sharon emphasised his working-class roots and the pride he felt in his English identity.
Final show and sepsis
Sharon spoke about Ozzy's final days on the Dumb Blonde podcast, hosted by Jelly Roll’s wife Bunnie XO (aka Alisa DeFord). She said that "two weeks before the show, they said he could probably die, and he did. But he wanted to do it so bad. He needed it. " Sharon recounted that "Ozzy had sepsis earlier on last year, " and that "very few people ever walk away from that without losing a limb or their life. " She said, "As soon as he got sepsis, the kids and I, we knew it was time. And then when we went to England, he went into hospital for a week. And when he came out, they said, 'You know, Ozzy, this could kill you. ' And he said, 'I'm doing my show. '" Sharon said he went out "like a rock star" and added that he went out "like a king, " explaining the family accepted his wish to perform despite the risks.
Back to the Beginning and Villa Park
The heavy metal band's Back to the Beginning farewell show took place at Villa Park, close to where he was born. The Black Sabbath frontman died just over two weeks after that farewell show. More precisely, Ozzy died on July 22nd, just 17 days after the "Back to the Beginning" concert at which he performed his final sets as a solo artist and with Black Sabbath.
Fans' tributes in Birmingham
After his death, fans flocked to Birmingham to pay tribute, laying thousands of flowers and messages at Black Sabbath bridge. Huge crowds later lined the streets to pay their respects during his final journey through his home city. Kelly said the family were grateful to people in the city for their support, telling the: "We'll never be able to thank the people of Birmingham enough. How they showed up for my dad and have always been there for my dad – there are not enough words in the world to describe our gratitude, there really aren't. " Both Kelly and Sharon said having the tribute to Ozzy was "an honour. "
