By Christine Swan

It’s funny how the passing of somebody that I have never met, and didn’t know, could make me feel sad, but I was genuinely sorry for the passing of Ozzy Osbourne this week, even though I am not a typical fan of this genre of music. I recognise and value the contribution of Black Sabbath to the evolution of rock music.

My car was due its MOT and annual service so I drove it into the centre of Birmingham, gripping the steering wheel tightly as we negotiated the ring road. I never know which lane to be in at which point, but everybody else seems supremely confident of where they are going, while my little sports car and I take our lives into our hands this one time a year. My relief when we finally made it, was very welcome.

On this occasion, while waiting, for my car to be processed, I had a definite plan of action. Firstly I headed to Broad Street, to the bridge and bench named in honour of the legendary Brummie band, Black Sabbath. There was quite a crowd, including several television cameras and professional photographers. The bench was covered with flowers. I managed to make my way to the front to snap a couple of photographs, before I too gave way to the next set of visitors. We spoke to one gentleman from Stourbridge, who also felt compelled to visit to pay his respects.

Black Sabbath Bridge and bench, Broad Street, Birmingham

Next stop was the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. There has been an exhibition running since June, that continues until September. A winding queue of people snaked around the round gallery, patiently waiting to sign the book of condolence. The Ozzy exhibition was less crowded, and contained silver, gold and platinum records, photographs, memorabilia, and awards.

Inside the Ozzy Osbourne exhibition at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

A huge collection of awards, gold and platinum records are on display

Mr Murals is still in the process of completing the incredibly detailed painting of the members of Black Sabbath, in Navigation Street, opposite New Street Station. This was also another focal point for the day, with more flowers, messages and tributes. Among them was a beautifully carved melon, which was absolutely stunning. The BBC local news team were also surveying the scene, presumably preparing their next bulletin. The mural stretches the entire length of the railway bridge wall, and is a massively impressive feat. Using photographs viewed from his mobile phone, Mr Murals sketches out, and then spray paints his incredibly detailed works of art. Unlike a painting bought and sold by wealthy collectors, this is art for the masses, accessible anytime. More specifically, it is art for Birmingham to celebrate its famous sons who were so recently given the freedom of the City.

Black Sabbath mural in Navigation Street, close to Birmingham New Street

Mr Murals’ work is not yet complete

I first began working in Birmingham in 1987, in the time of the Old Bullring Shopping Centre. Birmingham at that time, was far less pedestrian friendly than it is now. The ring roads are still there but there are more pedestrianised spaces. At the time when I moved, Londoners, such as myself, had grown up with Crossroads Motel and remember its iconic Brummie character, beanie-wearing Benny. Many people comment on the distinctive accent but my abiding memory was how friendly everyone was. Whether struggling with bus routes or trying to find a particular location, in my experience, Brummies are always willing to help and aren’t shy in having a chat. Apparently, I have a detectable Brummy twang, which feels very odd as a born and bred Eastender. I have developed a real affection for the place, and the very best of Birmingham was on show during my visit.

Indeed!

At the rear of New Street Station is a closed pub called The Crown. This was also an iconic rock pub, where the Sabbath played in their infancy. We saw a small group attaching a large wreath to the road sign outside and there were other tributes left too. Not too far away is another rock bar – Scruffy Murphy’s. This venue is still very much alive and another important place to visit.

The Crown

Fan tributes outside of The Crown

Scruffy Murphy’s – a rock bar under a car park

In good company – outside of Scruffy Murphy’s

I phoned the garage where my car was only to learn that it was still on ramp having its brake pipes renewed prior to the MOT. I sighed. I’d already walked several miles around the City, crossing and recrossing routes. After a brief pitstop in Grand Central, the shopping and dining centre that surrounds New Street, we heard the opening bars of the theme to Star Wars. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra had set up in the station concourse to provide a free concert for commuters, shoppers and the curious. Every vantage point was packed with people. Popular themes from the Harry Potter and Pirates of the Caribbean films were enjoyed by all, but the piece de resistance was a segment from Black Sabbath – the Ballet. A fitting tribute indeed.

The CBSO in Grand Central

My phone rang and I learned that my car was ready for collection having passed its MOT. When I arrived home, I pondered on my day. I think everybody was very sad when the late Queen died but, for many of us, it was a reverential respect for a monarch, whose life was so different from ours. Ozzy Osbourne was an ordinary boy from Aston, who left school and went to work in a factory. The story of working class roots to world fame and excesses beyond imagination, is a fascinating one. It could happen to another working-class kid from Aston. We feel the possibility and potential. But it is more than this. He was a Brummy, one of us, and we celebrate that fact.