‘A local lad done good’: Fans remember Ozzy Osbourne in his hometown of Birmingham

Fans have spoken of how Ozzy Osbourne was “a local lad who done good” as they remembered the singer in his hometown of Birmingham.

People came to the Black Sabbath Bridge, which also features the Black Sabbath bench, to share their memories, pay respect and talk about why the heavy metal icon was important to them.

Many left flowers, candles and messages to their hero, who died on Tuesday morning at the age of 76.

Jake Brookes, 28, who has been a fan of the singer since he was 12 years old, said the singer’s farewell concert for fans weeks ago was “the perfect sendoff”.

“He got to say goodbye and we got to say goodbye back. There was not a dry eye at Villa Park. And for him to do it at home meant the world to him, meant the world to fans, and it was a mutual thank you and respect,” he told Sky News’s Midlands correspondent Shamaan Freeman-Powell.

He said the rockstar will be remembered for his self-expression: “He paved the way for artists today, even like Lady Gaga. You see theatrics, he was the original man that started it – this crazy guy on stage that you couldn’t take your eyes off. So many frontmen around the world will have taken inspiration from what Ozzy did.

“I think his legacy will live on forever. So many bands, artists and celebrities have come out and said how much they love him, and I think he’s worthy of that love. He has inspired millions and will continue to.”

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Joe Savage said when he watched Osbourne perform a few weeks ago, he thought “maybe he could do one more album”, but “unfortunately that wasn’t meant to be”.

“He, along with the other members of Black Sabbath, created a whole new genre. Fifty to sixty years down the line, it’s still going strong. I think it will do for many more generations to come, thanks to Ozzy,” he said.

Gary Holbrooke, 70, described Osbourne as a “born entertainer” and “fantastic person”.

“I’m just sorry to see him go,” he said. “I was shocked. Especially after he’s done the Aston Villa reunion. To die a couple of weeks later, [the gig was] fantastic.”

Asked what he thought Osbourne’s legacy would be, he said: “Just a local lad who done good. He’ll be sadly missed.”