Honouring a Brummie legend: Ozzy Osbourne’s family to receive his Lord Mayor’s Award

By MH

December 15, 2025

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Birmingham paid tribute to one of its most iconic sons, Ozzy Osbourne, in a heartfelt private ceremony celebrating his life and legacy.

In celebration of his achievements, The Deputy Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Ken Wood posthumously presented the Lord Mayor’s Award to Ozzy Osbourne.

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE presented Books of Condolence to the family.
The award was accepted on his behalf by members of the Osbourne family on 3 December, Ozzy’s birthday.

The Lord Mayor’s Award is one of Birmingham’s highest civic honours and celebrates individuals and groups’ outstanding achievement or exceptional service to the city and people of Birmingham.

The award honours Ozzy’s outstanding service to Birmingham, acknowledging his impact on the city’s cultural and musical identity.

Born and raised in Aston, Ozzy Osbourne achieved global stardom and success as a musician, both as the lead vocalist of pioneering heavy metal band Black Sabbath and in his later solo career.

During his career, Ozzy sold over 100 million records worldwide and is one of only 27 artists in history inducted into the famous Rock n Roll Hall of Fame twice. In his incredible 56-year career he won five Grammys and became the face of Birmingham, a city he loved his whole life. And Brummies loved him back – almost 400,000 visitors have seen his Working-Class Hero exhibit at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery since July.

In recognition of his achievements, last July Ozzy was honoured with the Freedom of the City of Birmingham alongside the original band members of Black Sabbath ahead of their farewell “Back to the Beginning” concert.

The Osbourne family commented: “We are deeply touched to receive this award in honour of Ozzy. He was so loved by the people of Birmingham, so it is great to come back and see the impact he has had in his hometown and how he continues to inspire generations of Brummies’ and fans across the world. I would like to thank the Lord Mayor for this special recognition.”

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE said: “Ozzy was and always will be a proud and much missed son of Birmingham. Having achieved worldwide success, he never forgot his Brummie roots, so I am honoured to present the award to his family in a fitting tribute of everything he has done for our city. Ozzy forever!”