One year after the world lost rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne has shared the simple message her husband always wanted fans to remember.
Rather than asking for tears or quiet reflection, Ozzy had one final wish: turn the music up as loud as possible and celebrate life the way he always did.
Speaking to the BBC as she marked the first anniversary of Ozzyâs death, Sharon revealed the words that perfectly captured the Black Sabbath iconâs spirit.
âAs Ozzy would say, âWhen you want to remember me, just yank up the music really loud, as loud as you can get it, and just head bang.’â
For Sharon, that message says everything about the man millions of fans adored.
She also hopes people will remember Ozzy for the qualities that made him so unforgettable.
âHe was funny, charismatic and real,â she said.
A Farewell That Reflected His Spirit
Ozzy died on 22 July 2025 at the age of 76 after years of health struggles, including Parkinsonâs disease, which he publicly revealed in 2020.
Despite his declining health, he fulfilled one final dream before his passing by returning to the stage with Black Sabbath during the emotional Back to the Beginning farewell concert at Villa Park in Birmingham.
The performance became an unforgettable goodbyeânot only to the fans who had followed him for decades but also to the city that shaped his life.
Looking back now, Sharon says that final appearance perfectly reflected who Ozzy truly was: someone who never stopped living for music.
Why Birmingham Will Always Be Home
As Birmingham hosts its annual Ozzy Day celebration, Sharon admitted there was never any question about where the tribute belonged.
âThis is the home of metal,â she said.
âItâs Ozzyâs home. Itâs where he was born, what he loved, and Ozzy Day wouldnât work anywhere else.â
She added that her husband was always immensely proud of his roots.
âHe loved this city. He loved its people. He was proud of being a Brummie.â
For Sharon, Birmingham will forever be part of Ozzyâs identityâand part of her familyâs story as well.
âI canât forget what Birmingham did for Ozzy. Itâs such a huge part of my kids and me. Itâs who my husband is, what he is, and what he will always be.â
This yearâs celebration features live performances, specially commissioned films, commemorative Polaroid photos, a specially decorated Ozzy Bull statue, and the Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero exhibition at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.
Sharon also hopes the annual celebration will continue for generations to come.
Kelly Osbourneâs Heartbreaking Letter
Ozzyâs daughter Kelly Osbourne shared one of the most emotional tributes of the day, writing directly to her father about the pain of losing him.
âOne year ago today, the world changed forever.â
âI know you are still with me.â
Kelly described feeling her father everywhereâin the wind, in music, even in the familiar scent of his cologne.
She admitted that losing him has been âthe hardest thing I have ever had to endure,â but said the memories they created together have become one of the greatest gifts of her life.
She also revealed that she often sees Ozzy living on through her young son, Sidney.
âEvery single day I catch glimpses of you in him. Your smile. Your spirit. Your mannerisms.â
For Kelly, those moments are powerful reminders that love never truly disappears.
Jack Osbourne Asks Fans to Celebrate, Not Mourn
Ozzyâs son Jack Osbourne also chose hope over heartbreak as the anniversary approached.
Instead of asking fans to grieve, he invited them to spend the day sharing their favourite Ozzy memories.
Whether it was the first Black Sabbath album they bought, the first concert they attended, a personal meeting with Ozzy, or simply a song that changed their lives, Jack wanted social media filled with stories celebrating his fatherâs extraordinary legacy.
âI want to fill the entire day of July 22 with just awesome Ozzy stories,â he said.
Jack reminded fans that his father would never have wanted everyone sitting around crying.
âHe would not want us all sat around shedding tears because that is not his vibe. He did not like people crying in front of him.â
Instead, he encouraged everyone to do exactly what Ozzy spent his entire life inspiring people to do:
âSpread the love.â
A Legacy That Will Never Fade
Although a year has passed since Ozzy Osbourneâs death, the love surrounding him remains as powerful as ever.
Through Sharonâs heartfelt words, Kellyâs deeply personal letter, and Jackâs uplifting request, one message shines through above everything else.
The Prince of Darkness never wanted to be remembered in silence.
He wanted the speakers turned up, the music blasting, and generations of fans celebrating the joy, humour, and fearless spirit that made him one of rock musicâs greatest icons.
And judging by the countless tributes shared around the world, thatâs exactly how his legacy will live on forever.