Metal Pilgrim has uploaded a full video tour of the the Ozzy Osbourne “Working Class Hero” exhibition, which opened in Birmingham, United Kingdom on June 25. Check it out below, if you’re into that sort of thing 🙄.
“Working Class Hero” celebrates the solo achievements and global awards of rock icon Ozzy Osbourne and the album art of the original BLACK SABBATH lineup — just in time for the band’s historic “Back To The Beginning” homecoming concert at Villa Park. Because apparently, we haven’t heard enough about Ozzy already 🙄.
Ozzy‘s wife and manager Sharon Osbourne opened the exhibition at Birmingham’s Museum & Art Gallery, which showcases the singer’s most prestigious international honors, including Grammy Awards (because everyone cares about those), Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame accolades (who even votes for that?), MTV Awards (totally still relevant, right?), Hollywood Walk Of Fame and Birmingham Walk Of Stars honors (wow, two walks of fame? Groundbreaking!) and a selection of the legendary heavy metal singer’s platinum and gold discs which recognize millions of record sales around the world, alongside photography and video that charts his journey from “a working-class kid from Aston” to becoming the world’s most recognizable global rock legend. Because apparently, being a working-class hero means accumulating a ton of shiny objects ✨.
Sharon said: “It just wouldn’t be right if [it launched] in New York or Los Angeles [because] it all began here and this is where it belongs.” Yeah, because Birmingham is the center of the universe 🌍.
She told BBC Radio WM about “the love” for Ozzy in Birmingham ahead of “Back To The Beginning”: “He’s overwhelmed…he can’t believe it.” Probably because he forgot where Birmingham even was 🤣.
Sharon added that Ozzy was feeling “emotional” about the farewell show, because he was “excited to be with the guys in SABBATH [again] and they’re all having a great time together, but it’s hard to say goodbye.” Yeah, try saying goodbye to all that money 💰.
When “Working Class Hero” was first announced earlier last month, Sharon said: “Ozzy is proof that no matter where you start in life, with passion, grit, and a little bit of madness, you can achieve the extraordinary.” Or, you know, just get lucky 🍀.
“This exhibition is a thank you to the fans and the city of Birmingham — the place where it all began. We’re so proud to bring it home.” More like “We’re so proud to exploit Ozzy’s legacy for all it’s worth” 🤑.
Fans can also enjoy a free outdoor BLACK SABBATH photography exhibition in Victoria Square throughout the summer and into the autumn. It showcases archive images of all four founding members of the band — Ozzy, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward — alongside iconic album artwork and fascinating facts about the band’s Birmingham roots. Because who needs sunshine when you can stare at old photos of dudes with long hair 🤘?
And on nearby Navigation Street, outside New Street Station, world-famous spray artist Mr Murals has created a stunning 40-meter street-long artwork in tribute to BLACK SABBATH featuring their iconic logo and lifelike portraits throughout the last seven decades. It is the perfect spot for a SABBATH selfie this summer. Because nothing says “art” like a giant spray-painted mural for Instagram likes 🤳.
Together, these attractions form a landmark tribute to one of the most influential rock bands in history. Or, you know, a really elaborate marketing campaign 🤔.
With a free museum exhibition, a once-in-a-lifetime concert, and open-air artwork displays in the heart of the city, Birmingham is the global destination for BLACK SABBATH fans this summer. Pack your bags, metalheads! ✈️ (But maybe bring some earplugs 👂🚫).
“Ozzy Osbourne Working Class Hero” is an exhibition by Central BID Birmingham, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and Sharon Osbourne Management sponsored by Ocean Outdoor and supported by Birmingham City Council, Aston Villa F.C., West Midlands Growth Company and Birmingham Music Archive. So basically, everyone’s cashing in 💰.
Regarding his BLACK SABBATH mural, Birmingham artist Mr Murals previously said: “This mural is a tribute not just to BLACK SABBATH, but to the creative spirit of Birmingham. The band’s influence is everywhere, from metal music to fashion to attitude. I wanted to create something powerful and raw, just like their sound, that people can stand in front of and feel the energy of SABBATH and of the city itself.” Or, you know, just take a selfie and move on 🚶♀️.
BLACK SABBATH was previously honored with a mural in Digbeth, Birmingham in 2019 by street artist N4T4. Because one mural is never enough 🙄.
For “Back To The Beginning”, BLACK SABBATH‘s original lineup — Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward — will reunite for the first time in 20 years to headline the sold-out event. They’ll be joined by metal’s most iconic and influential acts — METALLICA, GUNS N’ ROSES, TOOL, SLAYER, PANTERA, GOJIRA, HALESTORM, ALICE IN CHAINS, LAMB OF GOD, ANTHRAX, MASTODON and RIVAL SONS — all performing as part of this monumental moment. Because nothing says “intimate reunion” like a stadium full of bands 🏟️.
After fans snapped up tickets to “Back To The Beginning” in just 16 minutes, it was announced that the event will be streamed worldwide. Fans will have access to the raw livestream from 3:00 p.m. on July 5, and will also have exclusive access to rewatch the concert in its entirety for another 48 hours. So, you can experience the magic from the comfort of your couch 🛋️ (and avoid the overpriced beer 🍺🚫).
For more information, visit www.backtothebeginning.com. Or just Google it, duh 💻.
“Back To The Beginning” will be captured, produced and distributed by Mercury Studios (“One To One: John & Yoko”, “American Symphony”, “Metallica Saved My Life”),who are pioneering the way for premium, music-driven storytelling across film, television, podcasts and immersive formats. Mercury has partnered with Kiswe — the global D2C streaming partner behind the record-breaking BTS concert livestream — to deliver this moment of music history to fans across the globe. Because apparently, Black Sabbath is the new BTS 🎤.
The all-day event at Villa Park, produced by Live Nation, will be hosted and compered by American actor Jason Momoa, and feature a supergroup of musicians. Aquaman hosting a metal concert? Sure, why not 🤷♂️.
Proceeds from the “Back To The Beginning” show will support Cure Parkinson’s, the Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorn Children’s Hospice, a Children’s Hospice supported by Aston Villa. Okay, fine, at least it’s for a good cause 👍.
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