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Exhibitions celebrate 'Brummie icon' Ozzy Osbourne

Vanessa Pearce
BBC News, West Midlands
Ross Halpin A long-haired Ozzy Osbourne wearing eye liner and gold rings on his fingersRoss Halpin
The exhibitions were a 'thank you to the fans and the city of Birmingham' says Sharon Osbourne

Two city centre exhibitions dedicated to the achievements of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath are set to celebrate "a true Brummie icon", organisers say.

The shows, to coincide with the band's final reunion gig in Birmingham in July, were "a thank you to the fans and the city of Birmingham – the place where it all began", said Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy's wife.

"Ozzy is proof that no matter where you start in life, with ion, grit, and a little bit of madness, you can achieve the extraordinary.

"We're so proud to bring it home."

Getty Images Three of Black Sabbath face the cameras at the Grammy Awards. In the centre, Ozzy Osbourne holds a grammy award on his head. Getty Images
The exhibition Working Class Hero will run at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery from 25 June to 28 September

A free exhibition entitled Working Class Hero will run at the city's Museum and Art Gallery, showcasing the singer's most prestigious international honours, including Grammy Awards and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

A selection of platinum and gold discs, recognising millions of record sales, will also be on show.

Other photographs and videos chart Ozzy's journey from "a working class kid from Aston" to becoming one of the world's most recognisable rock stars.

Getty Images Ozzy Osbourne wearing round dark glasses and gold necklaces stands in front of a collection of gold and platinum discsGetty Images
A selection of gold and platinum discs belonging to the artist will also be on show.

Further images showcasing the band's archive and iconic album artwork will also go on display in the city's Victoria Square.

Artist Mr Murals has also created a 120ft (36.5m) mural depicting all four original of Black Sabbath.

Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward are being immortalised on Navigation Street near Grand Central Station, creating the "perfect spot for a Sabbath Selfie", said organisers.

John Bray Spray painted image of band member Tony Iommi being struck by lightning. There is a sign on the mural saying "Danger, live wires below".John Bray
A mural depicting the band has been created on the city's Navigation Street

The exhibitions were a "celebration of our city's creativity, heritage and influence – and a chance for fans to walk in the footsteps of legends", said Sam Watson, chair of Central BID Birmingham, which has helped organise them.

Together they form a "landmark tribute to one of the most influential rock bands in history", organisers said.

"Celebrating the life and achievements of someone so deeply connected to the city aligns perfectly with our mission to reflect and share Birmingham's rich and diverse cultural heritage," added the t chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah.

Working Class Hero will run at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery from 25 June to 28 September.

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