TONY IOMMI And SHARON OSBOURNE Pay Tribute To OZZY OSBOURNE On First Anniversary Of His Death

BLACK SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi and Sharon Osbourne have paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne on the first anniversary of his death.

Ozzy died on July 22, 2025, a little over two weeks after BLACK SABBATH's historic "Back To The Beginning" concert at Villa Park in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Earlier today, Tony took to his social media to write: "Hi everyone. Well, it's now a year since Ozzy's passing and I still can't believe that he's not with us. I watch him on YouTube and it feels like he's still here with us.

"We always stayed in touch, almost every week or so and we'd usually talk about our ailments and then about what we'd been doing that particular week.

"The fans have been absolutely brilliant and the love and respect that they have shown for him has just been amazing.

"I'm so glad that we were able to play one final show with the original line up of SABBATH at the 'Back To The Beginning' show in our home town of Birmingham!

"There will never be another Ozzy.

"I miss you my dear friend."

Meanwhile, Ozzy's widow Sharon spoke to the BBC exactly a year on from her husband's passing, telling his fans to remember him by playing music "really loud".

"As Ozzy would say, 'When you want to remember me, just yank up the music really loud, as loud as you can get it, and just headbang,'" she said.

Reflecting on the legendary heavy metal singer, Sharon said: "He was authentic. He never tried to be anything other than what he was, and he would tell you the truth about everything and that was him, you knew where you were with him. He was just genuine, so genuine and funny. I mean, we could have the worst arguments in the world but we would end up laughing because he would say something so ridiculous that we would just crack up."

As previously reported, Ozzy's longtime hometown of Birmingham has announced plans to honor the late BLACK SABBATH singer on the anniversary of his death. On July 22, or the first annual "Ozzy Day" in the city, the Birmingham City Council has organized "a free program of live music, public art, special performances and shared moments celebrating the life, legacy and Birmingham roots of the Prince Of Darkness," turning "the city into a living tribute to the Aston-born rock legend," the Council said earlier in the month.

The celebration will take place "across Birmingham city centre" and feature live music, public art and more to honor Osbourne's life. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit places important to Osbourne's journey, including the Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Birmingham New Street Station, Bullring, Selfridges and Martineau Place.

BOSTIN BRASS, the five-piece brass band that performed at Osbourne's funeral procession, will deliver a series of pop-up performances in his honor. Another live performance from the City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) will take place at Bullring.

Additionally, Ozzy The Bull — a mechanical bull used in the 2022 Commonweath Games that was named after Osbourne the following year — will be "dressed up for the occasion."

A limited-edition shirt, sold only during "Ozzy Day", will feature an image of Osbourne at "Back To The Beginning", with the back of the shirt listing all 52 shows — BLACK SABBATH and solo — that the singer played in Birmingham.

"This is the home of metal," Sharon told BBC of Birmingham. "It's Ozzy's home, it's where he was born, what he loved and ['Ozzy Day'] wouldn't work anywhere else. He loved this city, he loved its people. He was proud of being a Brummie and that's it."

"Ozzy Osbourne is one of Birmingham's foremost cultural figures, and we continue to honor his legacy here in the city, where his journey began. I am glad to see the city partners coming together to celebrate Ozzy's influence on music and his pride in his hometown," councillor Deborah Harries, cabinet member for culture for the Birmingham City Council said in a statement.

"BLACK SABBATH's contribution to Birmingham was recognized when they were awarded Freedom Of The City on 30 June 2025. All of these anniversary events are, an opportunity for residents and visitors to celebrate this legacy, while showcasing the creativity, culture and character that make Birmingham so special."

Ozzy's death certificate revealed that he died of a heart attack. The certificate filed in London also said Osbourne suffered from coronary artery disease and Parkinson's disease.

A private funeral service for Ozzy was held on July 31, 2025 on the 250-acre grounds of the house the legendary BLACK SABBATH singer and his wife bought in 1993 in Buckinghamshire, England. Only 110 of the singer's friends and family members attended the service, including his SABBATH bandmates, Robert Trujillo (METALLICA),Rob Zombie, Zakk Wylde, Marilyn Manson and Corey Taylor (SLIPKNOT).

The day before the private funeral, thousands of fans gathered in the streets of Birmingham to pay tribute to Ozzy. Sharon, along with their children Aimée, Kelly and Jack, joined mourners for the emotional tribute.

On July 5, 2025, Ozzy reunited with the rest of the original BLACK SABBATH lineup — guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward — for what was his final performance at the "Back To The Beginning" charity concert in their original hometown of Birmingham, United Kingdom.

At "Back To The Beginning", Ozzy played a five-song set with his solo band — consisting of guitarist Zakk Wylde, bassist Mike Inez, keyboardist Adam Wakeman and drummer Tommy Clufetos — before being joined by Iommi, Butler and Ward for four classic SABBATH songs: "War Pigs", "Iron Man", "N.I.B." and "Paranoid".

Ozzy's solo set consisted of four songs from Osbourne's 1980 solo debut album "Blizzard Of Ozz" — "I Don't Know", "Mr. Crowley", "Suicide Solution" and "Crazy Train" — along with his 1991 "No More Tears" ballad "Mama, I'm Coming Home".

The 76-year-old heavy metal singer sang while seated on a black throne and appeared overcome with emotion at times. "You have no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart," he told the crowd.

Photo credit: Ross Halfin