Ozzy Osbourne's concert throne to go on display

The throne used by Ozzy Osbourne during his final live performance is to go on public display in Birmingham as fans prepare to mark the first anniversary of the rock legend's death.

The black Gothic-style throne, last seen at Black Sabbath's farewell concert at Villa Park in July 2025, will become part of the Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero exhibition at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery from 1 July.

The display coincides with the anniversary of the Back to the Beginning concert on 5 July and comes ahead of the first anniversary of Osbourne's death on 22 July.

Originally created for the singer's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024, the throne became a defining image of his final appearance on stage.

Featuring bat wing motifs and references to Osbourne's career, it has become closely associated with the heavy metal star's farewell performance in his home city.

The throne will join a collection of personal memorabilia, photographs and awards celebrating the life and career of the Birmingham-born musician.

The exhibition traces Osbourne's journey from his childhood in Aston to becoming one of the world's most influential rock stars.

Organisers said more than 640,000 people had visited the exhibition since it opened in June 2025. Due to its popularity, it has been extended twice and will now run until 27 September 2026.

Sharon Osbourne said it was fitting that the throne should be displayed in the city where her husband was born and raised.

"As we approach the one-year anniversary of Back to the Beginning, it feels fitting that Ozzy's throne, which has now become synonymous with his final performance, would be placed in the museum, where it can be seen by the fans who loved him," she said.

Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, described the throne as an "extraordinary object" that represented "a powerful final chapter" in Osbourne's career.

They said its display would give visitors a chance to come together and celebrate the legacy of "a true Birmingham legend".

Sam Watson, chair of Central BID Birmingham, said organisers had been working with the Osbourne family since the Villa Park concert to bring the throne back to the city.

"We were determined to bring this iconic throne back to Ozzy's home city first, a place he loved so much, and for his fans to be able to visit," she said.

Birmingham City Council's cabinet member for culture, Deborah Harries, said the display offered fans a new way to connect with Osbourne's story at what would be "an emotional moment" for many.

She said the exhibition highlighted the worldwide appeal of Birmingham's musical heritage and continued to attract visitors from across the globe.

Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero is organised by Central BID Birmingham, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and Sharon Osbourne Management, with support from Birmingham City Council and Aston Villa FC.

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.