Ozzy Osbourne fans congregate at Black Sabbath Bridge in Birmingham to create shrine
Following the devastating news of Ozzy Osbourne‘s death, fans of the rock legend have flocked to Black Sabbath Bridge in Birmingham to celebrate his legacy.
Black Sabbath Bridge, located on Broad Street in Birmingham city centre, was officially opened in 2019 during a ceremony attended by the band’s Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler.
Since opening, it has become a tourist attraction for Black Sabbath fans who travel from all over the world to visit the landmark and other sacred locations in the city that played a vital role in the early chapters of their story.
Earlier this month, Metallica frontman James Hetfield, who was in Birmingham to perform at Osbourne’s farewell show, Back to the Beginning, flocked to Black Sabbath Bridge and shared an image of himself at the iconic location.
After Osbourne’s family announced that the rock legend had passed away at the age of 76, fans have since congregated at the landmark in Birmingham to leave flowers and remember the Black Sabbath frontman, which has now become a shrine to him.
Additionally, Birmingham City Council has created a book of condolence, which fans can sign in the Round Room at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery until 7pm on July 23rd.
In a statement, the council said: “Today the City mourns one of our very best. Our own Prince from Aston, a demon, an angel and an all round hero. Rest in peace Ozzy and thank you for the memories.”
Osbourne made his return to Birmingham, where his story began, earlier this month for a grand farewell concert, titled Back to the Beginning, which took place at Villa Park. He also performed a solo set from a throne and reunited with the original Black Sabbath line-up for the first time in more than 20 years.
The rock extravaganza also included performances from metal acts, including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Pantera, Alice in Chains, Anthrax, Mastodon, and Tool, who all waived their fees for charity. Back to the Beginning raised close to $200 million for Cure Parkinson’s, Acorns Children’s Hospice, and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Following his death, bandmate Tony Iommi reminisced about the final show, poignantly writing, “I just can’t believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park. It’s just such heartbreaking news that I can’t really find the words, there won’t ever be another like him. Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother. My thoughts go out to Sharon and all the Osbourne family. Rest in peace Oz.”
See the shrine to Osbourne in Birmingham below.
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