The unveiling took place on the eve of “Back to the Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow”, the much-anticipated farewell show in Birmingham, the city where Black Sabbath was born. With the entire original lineup set to reunite one last time, emotions were already running high—but the appearance of Ozzy’s statue sent a tidal wave of nostalgia and reverence rippling through the crowd gathered outside the stadium.
Crafted in meticulous detail by acclaimed sculptor Luke Perry (not to be confused with the late actor), the bronze figure captures Ozzy in his most iconic form: arms outstretched, long hair flowing, mouth agape in a scream that could shake the heavens. Every inch of the sculpture pays homage to the man who helped forge a genre, from his gothic wardrobe to his unmistakable stance on stage.
“Ozzy Osbourne isn’t just a local hero—he’s a global legend,” Perry said during the ceremony. “This statue is meant to show future generations what Birmingham gave to the world: the sound of metal, the energy of rebellion, and the voice of a man who never gave up.”
Standing nearly 10 feet tall, the statue now joins the ranks of great British monuments celebrating musical excellence. It faces the stadium proudly, a beacon of the city’s musical legacy and industrial grit. Inscribed at the base are the words: “You can’t kill rock and roll.”
The ceremony drew a star-studded crowd, including fellow musicians, politicians, and lifelong fans, many of whom had grown up listening to Sabbath’s thunderous riffs and Ozzy’s haunting vocals. Among them was Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife and longtime manager, who spoke candidly about her husband’s journey.
“We’ve been through hell and back—addiction, illness, media storms—but this, right here, is a celebration of survival,” she said. “Ozzy always says he’s just a lad from Aston. Well, now Aston has given something back.”
The Lord Mayor of Birmingham also delivered remarks, praising Ozzy for putting the city on the global map. “Birmingham is proud to honor one of its most influential sons,” he said. “Ozzy’s contribution to music, to culture, and to the very soul of this city is immeasurable.”
For fans like 52-year-old Carl Jenkins, who flew in from Australia for the show and the statue unveiling, the moment was deeply personal. “Ozzy’s music carried me through tough times—this isn’t just about rock, it’s about resilience,” he said, visibly emotional. “Seeing him honored like this means everything.”
The statue also arrives amid a renaissance in public recognition for heavy metal’s pioneers. Black Sabbath recently received a commemorative bench in Birmingham’s Broad Street Walk of Stars, and now, with Ozzy immortalized in bronze, there’s a renewed push to include more rock legends in the cultural canon.
The choice of Villa Park for the statue is no coincidence. Ozzy has long expressed his devotion to Aston Villa F.C., and the club was more than happy to host this tribute. “Ozzy has been a lifelong fan. His spirit embodies what we stand for—passion, loyalty, and fight,” said Villa Chairman Nassef Sawiris.
Just hours after the statue’s unveiling, Ozzy was set to take the stage at his final live performance during “Back to the Beginning,” a reunion show that marks the definitive end of an era. Fans worldwide will stream the event live, with 48-hour on-demand access available afterward.
Despite a series of health challenges in recent years—including a battle with Parkinson’s disease and spinal surgeries—Ozzy remains determined to end his performing career on a high note. His farewell set is expected to include fan favorites like “Iron Man,” “Paranoid,” and “No More Tears.”
As night falls on Birmingham, the statue now stands watch—a symbol of the dark, thunderous sound that rose from the factories and streets of the city to conquer the world.
