Ozzy Osbourne fans remember Birmingham star who was ‘a big part of our lives'
Christine Turner, from the Hodge Hill area of Birmingham, wore her Aston Villa football shirt to pay tribute to Osbourne at the Black Sabbath mural in the city.
She said her father was a childhood friend of the rock star and they used to play football together in Lodge Road, where they grew up.
She told the PA news agency: 'He has been a big part of our lives, my dad was childhood best mates with him, so I've come up to pay my respects.'
When asked how she felt when she heard he had died, she said: 'Shocked. I think deep in our hearts we knew it was coming, but it was still a shock last night.
'I was supposed to have done the washing last night but it didn't get done after I found out at about quarter past seven.
'I was upset, tears were shed last night.'
Jimmy Smith, from Bristol, who was in the city to visit the Ozzy Osbourne exhibition at Birmingham Museum, stopped at the scene on Wednesday morning to pay his respects.
He told PA: 'I did like Ozzy, I saw him a few times back in the day. It was quite sad yesterday (when he died), but with the concert at Villa Park a few weeks back, I had a feeling it was coming. It felt like his final bow.
'I was up here a few weeks ago for the Iron Maiden concert so I knew the mural was here, so I thought I would come and have a look, and I'll also go to the Black Sabbath bridge before going to the museum.'
Two Black Sabbath fans from King's Norton jumped on a train to visit the mural of the band in Birmingham to pay their respects to Osbourne following his death.
Megan and Mia, who did not want to give their surnames, said they wished they had been able to go to Osbourne's last show at Villa Park on July 5.
Megan said: 'It was really sad and heart-breaking (to hear he had died), I think I was expecting it to happen soon but not that quick.'
When asked how it felt to visit the mural after Ozzy's death, Mia said: 'It's surreal but it's nice that people have put flowers out.'
Mia added that she believed the next Aston Villa football game would be 'even more packed than usual' in Osbourne's memory.
She said: 'I know there will be some form of respects paid to him at the game, definitely.'
Osbourne played a final farewell concert in front of a home crowd at Villa Park earlier in the month.
Black Sabbath were the last to appear on stage as part of a star-studded line-up for the Back To The Beginning concert that took place not far from the Crown pub where they played their first gig in 1968.
Also paying his respects was Black Sabbath's first manager, Jim Simpson, who spoke on Broad Street, where dozens of fans had gathered to pay tribute to the rock legend.
When asked how he felt when he heard the news Osbourne had died, Mr Simpson said: 'Deep sadness, but no surprise, because it's been on the cards for quite a long time.
'He even said beforehand that he expected to die on the stage at the July the fifth show at Villa Park. The world's lost an inordinately nice, balanced, human being.'
Referencing the amount of people who had turned up to pay tribute to Osbourne following his death, he said: 'The fact is, there are people here who are 80 years of age or eight years of age and all stages in between and it shows he had a remarkable way of contacting people.
'It has been 55 years and still (Black Sabbath) are more popular than ever.
'It is remarkable and they have all done a great job and they should be proud of themselves.'
Black Sabbath, comprised of vocalist Osbourne, drummer Bill Ward, guitarist Tony Iommi, and bassist Terence 'Geezer' Butler, formed in 1968 and were credited with shaping the heavy metal genre.
The group were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 and Osbourne was added for a second time, as a solo artist, last year.
In the noughties he featured in MTV series The Osbournes, which followed the lives of him, his wife Sharon and two of their children, Kelly and Jack.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
32 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Ozzy Osbourne's grieving family ‘sickened' by vile online trolls' theories about rock icon's tragic death
OZZY Osbourne's family have hit out at "sickening" theories emerging online about the rock legend's tragic death. The Black Sabbath frontman, 76, died "surrounded by love" at his multi-million-pound home in Welders, Buckinghamshire, last week. Advertisement 8 Sharon was by his side when he tragically passed away Credit: Getty 8 Ozzy took to the stage for the final time on July 5 Credit: Ross Halfin 8 He died at his home in Welders, Buckinghamshire, last week Credit: Getty Sharon, his wife of 43 years and mum to their children Aimee, Jack and Kelly, was by his side when he sadly passed. Air Ambulance crews rushed to the family mansion to save the singer - who was suffering from Parkinson's disease - in his final moments. A statement signed by his family said: "He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time." But online trolls are now peddling "disgusting" rumours that the Brummie icon decided to take his own life. Advertisement The topic was even discussed on US radio stations, including Sirius XM, where the rock icon had his own channel. Sharon, Kelly and Jack are 'sickened' by the false narratives, which claim that they were involved in his decision end his own life. A family friend said last night: 'The family are still grieving and to deal with this bull*** is vile. "It has deeply sickened Sharon and the children. Ozzy passed away at home and the paramedics tried to save him - fact. Advertisement 'It is simply disgusting, because these social media idiots are not credible, but somehow their narrative is spreading every day. "Even though they have no knowledge, other online users treat this fake news as fact. The raft of trolls and rumours has spiralled in recent days. 'It is quite sick that people would think that Ozzy would do such a thing. Ozzy and Kelly Osbourne performing their version of Changes together 'The man absolutely loved being around his family and his grandchildren especially. Advertisement "Vile comments have come in to the family's feeds accusing them of being involved in some kind of conspiracy. It has horrified them all.' The false allegations have been shared tens of thousands of times, appearing on news websites and across various social media platforms. AI videos seemed to show Ozzy making secret lengthy confessions about ending his life on his own terms after his farewell concert. The insider added: 'Ozzy had been in great spirits following his farewell show, but he also had lots to look forward to in the upcoming months. Advertisement 'There's no way he would've taken his life, because no matter how tough his physical and medical conditions were, being with his family and especially his grandchildren provided him with immense joy and huge highs. 'Not only was he working on a TV project about his astonishing farewell show, but he was lined up to film his reality series called Home to Roost for the BBC. 'He was looking forward also to promoting his memoir in September. 'Sharon has really taken Ozzy's passing so, so hard. They were such a strong force together. Advertisement "She'd seen him come off an amazing high with the Sabbath farewell and they were relishing putting together the film project and the documentary over the next few weeks. More on Ozzy Osbourne... 'Ozzy could not have been more emotionally moved by what happened at Villa Park. With the way fans reacted and how the biggest names in rock music came to support him. 'That high really made Sharon so happy. Not only because she had played such a key role in making it happen, but also because it had bolstered Ozzy's spirits and day-to-day they lived for each other. Advertisement "It can't be underestimated how much Sharon supported Ozzy as he dealt with dark moments, knowing that his mobility was suffering and the pain he was going through. "I mean, it was really a powerful partnership. And now Sharon is devastated that his journey's coming to an end.' Last week, Ozzy's daughter Kelly, 40, paid an emotional tribute to her father, who died just days after watching her get engaged. She shared the poignant lyrics to Black Sabbath's 'Changes' - a hit she and her dad released their own version of together in 2003. Advertisement The track soared to number one in the UK charts at the time, with the duo known for their close bond over the years. In a poignant nod to the song, Kelly wrote on Instagram: "I feel unhappy I am so sad. I lost the best friend I ever had." 8 Kelly, Ozzy, Sharon and Jack Osbourne at the GRAMMY Awards in 2014 Credit: Getty - Contributor 8 Ozzy's star on the Walk of Fame Credit: AFP Advertisement 8 Tributes placed at the Birmingham bridge and bench dedicated to Ozzy's band Black Sabbath Credit: EPA Just weeks earlier, Kelly got engaged to her boyfriend Sid Wilson, 48, at the veteran rocker's final concert. She shared a video of the moment Sid popped the question backstage at her father's final ever Black Sabbath gig on July 5. Ozzy's death came just 17 days after his farewell performance at the Villa Park stadium in Birmingham. Advertisement The concert raised £140million for charities including Birmingham's Acorns Children's Hospice, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and Cure Parkinson's. Tributes have since piled in from stars including Sir Rod Stewart, Noel Gallagher and Sir Elton John. Shortly prior to his passing, the Changes hitmaker told of his strict health monitoring and medical check-ins. On his Sirius XM show in May, Ozzy said: "I am constantly in training seven days a week. Advertisement "I have got this guy who's virtually living with me and I am in bed by seven. "I used to have to take a handful of f***ing sleeping pills. "Now I don't take anything. I am having my blood pressure taken 15 times a day. "I've got this f***ing device on my finger. It's a monitor to say how my heart rate is.' Advertisement He then said of his life approach: "I'm just taking it one day at a time. "Ask him upstairs. In my case, the one below." This month's gig was touted as "the greatest heavy metal show ever," with Ozzy grinning to chanting fans as he thanked them for all they had done for him. Ozzy became known as the "Prince of Darkness" in his six-decade career thanks to his on-stage antics that attracted a legion of heavy rock fans. Advertisement The legend cemented his place in rock history early in his career with controversial displays such as biting the head off a bat. 8 Kelly paid a touching tribute to her father Credit: Splash
Daily Mirror
33 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Kelly Osbourne shares heartbreaking video sat in arms of dad Ozzy
In the sweet clip shared by Kelly Osbourne, dad Ozzy pulls her into line over her bad language before brilliantly telling his daughter that she 'learned from the best' Mourning Kelly Osbourne has shared another sweet memory of dad Ozzy after uploading a fun video of herself sitting with her arms draped around him. The pair cuddle on a sofa as they speak on camera, with Kelly keen to mind her language. Uploading the cute clip to Instagram, the pink-haired daughter of the Prince of Darkness is quick to remind him where she picked up her ability to turn the air blue. "I can't say f***, I have to behave myself," she said, sitting on her famously foul-mouthed dad's lap. He responds: "You can't say what?" Not reacting, Kelly strokes him gently on the face. Blunt Ozzy then tells his daughter: "Terrible isn't it, the way children speak these days?" Kelly bites, and then tells him: "But I learned from you, dad." Smiling, he responds: "You learned from the best, baby." The 40-year-old returned to social media on Friday, three days after the death of the Black Sabbath legend, whose passing was announced on Tuesday. Kelly shared lyrics to her Instagram Stories from the Black Sabbath song Changes, in an emotional tribute that calls back to a special father-daughter moment. Changes, which Ozzy co-wrote with his bandmates, was first released by Black Sabbath in 1972. In 2003, he and Kelly recorded a version as a duet with revised lyrics that reflected on their bond. The song was a No. 1 hit in the U.K., and they became just the second father-daughter pair to top the charts, after Frank and Nancy Sinatra in 1967. Kelly has now taken to Instagram to share a heartbreaking update, writing: "I feel unhappy I am so sad," Kelly wrote: "I lost the best friend I ever had." Heartbroken fans have since been leaving tributes outside his Buckinghamshire home, with flowers and loving message laid outside the gates. Half-drunk pints and bottles of beer have also been left alongside candles as mourners toast the rock icon on Birmingham's Black Sabbath bridge. A source shared with People about Ozzy's last moments, saying, "Ozzy's final days were spent in England, surrounded by family, music and in the place he called home. He was in peace." Ozzy announced that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2020 and said that his daughter Kelly Osbourne had helped amid the diagnosis and other health issues. Following the news of his diagnosis, Kelly said: "We just kept going everyday and the magic that happens, I think, when you're in pain ..." Ozzy, pointing at his youngest daughter, interrupted her to say: "She's the one! If it wasn't for her I'd be still lying up on the couch." Kelly said: "The only thing I know when it comes to my dad is what can I do to make him smile and I know that going to the studio makes him happy. So I got him up and got him to the studio, and that's all I did. Everything else was him."
The Sun
33 minutes ago
- The Sun
Ozzy Osbourne's grieving family ‘sickened' by vile online trolls' theories about rock icon's tragic death
OZZY Osbourne's family have hit out at "sickening" theories emerging online about the rock legend's tragic death. The Black Sabbath frontman, 76, died "surrounded by love" at his multi-million-pound home in Welders, Buckinghamshire, last week. 8 8 8 Sharon, his wife of 43 years and mum to their children Aimee, Jack and Kelly, was by his side when he sadly passed. Air Ambulance crews rushed to the family mansion to save the singer - who was suffering from Parkinson's disease - in his final moments. A statement signed by his family said: "He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time." But online trolls are now peddling "disgusting" rumours that the Brummie icon decided to take his own life. The topic was even discussed on US radio stations, including Sirius XM, where the rock icon had his own channel. Sharon, Kelly and Jack are 'sickened' by the false narratives, which claim that they were involved in his decision end his own life. A family friend said last night: 'The family are still grieving and to deal with this bull*** is vile. "It has deeply sickened Sharon and the children. Ozzy passed away at home and the paramedics tried to save him - fact. 'It is simply disgusting, because these social media idiots are not credible, but somehow their narrative is spreading every day. "Even though they have no knowledge, other online users treat this fake news as fact. The raft of trolls and rumours has spiralled in recent days. 'It is quite sick that people would think that Ozzy would do such a thing. 'The man absolutely loved being around his family and his grandchildren especially. "Vile comments have come in to the family's feeds accusing them of being involved in some kind of conspiracy. It has horrified them all.' The false allegations have been shared tens of thousands of times, appearing on news websites and across various social media platforms. AI videos seemed to show Ozzy making secret lengthy confessions about ending his life on his own terms after his farewell concert. The insider added: 'Ozzy had been in great spirits following his farewell show, but he also had lots to look forward to in the upcoming months. 'There's no way he would've taken his life, because no matter how tough his physical and medical conditions were, being with his family and especially his grandchildren provided him with immense joy and huge highs. 'Not only was he working on a TV project about his astonishing farewell show, but he was lined up to film his reality series called Home to Roost for the BBC. 'He was looking forward also to promoting his memoir in September. 'Sharon has really taken Ozzy's passing so, so hard. They were such a strong force together. "She'd seen him come off an amazing high with the Sabbath farewell and they were relishing putting together the film project and the documentary over the next few weeks. More on Ozzy Osbourne... 'If it's end of the road, I can't complain' How hard-living rocker Ozzy Osbourne had no regrets amid health battles Ozzy Osbourne joined Black Sabbath on stage for poignant final show weeks before death aged 76 Emotional moment Ozzy celebrated with daughter Kelly after she got engaged at last concert days before death Ozzy Osbourne's final words to adoring fans just weeks before rock legend died The rocker's final photo as Black Sabbath star snapped beaming on stage in final gig Black Sabbath lead tributes to rock legend after his tragic death Osbourne family's full touching statement as they mourn rock icon Ozzy 'with more sadness than mere words can convey' From bat-biting antics & drug battles to rollercoaster reality show – how Ozzy truly earned title of Prince of Darkness Who is Kelly Osbourne's fiance and Slipknot member Sid Wilson? Who is Jack Osbourne's wife Aree Gearhart and do the couple have any children together? How Sharon's devotion to Ozzy never wavered through his drug hell 'Ozzy could not have been more emotionally moved by what happened at Villa Park. With the way fans reacted and how the biggest names in rock music came to support him. 'That high really made Sharon so happy. Not only because she had played such a key role in making it happen, but also because it had bolstered Ozzy's spirits and day-to-day they lived for each other. "It can't be underestimated how much Sharon supported Ozzy as he dealt with dark moments, knowing that his mobility was suffering and the pain he was going through. "I mean, it was really a powerful partnership. And now Sharon is devastated that his journey's coming to an end.' Last week, Ozzy's daughter Kelly, 40, paid an emotional tribute to her father, who died just days after watching her get engaged. She shared the poignant lyrics to Black Sabbath's 'Changes' - a hit she and her dad released their own version of together in 2003. The track soared to number one in the UK charts at the time, with the duo known for their close bond over the years. In a poignant nod to the song, Kelly wrote on Instagram: "I feel unhappy I am so sad. I lost the best friend I ever had." 8 8 8 Just weeks earlier, Kelly got engaged to her boyfriend Sid Wilson, 48, at the veteran rocker's final concert. She shared a video of the moment Sid popped the question backstage at her father's final ever Black Sabbath gig on July 5. Ozzy's death came just 17 days after his farewell performance at the Villa Park stadium in Birmingham. The concert raised £140million for charities including Birmingham's Acorns Children's Hospice, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and Cure Parkinson's. Tributes have since piled in from stars including Sir Rod Stewart, Noel Gallagher and Sir Elton John. Shortly prior to his passing, the Changes hitmaker told of his strict health monitoring and medical check-ins. On his Sirius XM show in May, Ozzy said: "I am constantly in training seven days a week. "I have got this guy who's virtually living with me and I am in bed by seven. "I used to have to take a handful of f***ing sleeping pills. "Now I don't take anything. I am having my blood pressure taken 15 times a day. "I've got this f***ing device on my finger. It's a monitor to say how my heart rate is.' He then said of his life approach: "I'm just taking it one day at a time. "Ask him upstairs. In my case, the one below." This month's gig was touted as "the greatest heavy metal show ever," with Ozzy grinning to chanting fans as he thanked them for all they had done for him. Ozzy became known as the "Prince of Darkness" in his six-decade career thanks to his on-stage antics that attracted a legion of heavy rock fans. The legend cemented his place in rock history early in his career with controversial displays such as biting the head off a bat. 8 8
