In a powerful tribute to one of rock’s most iconic and enduring figures, ‘Working Class Hero’, the world’s first major exhibition dedicated to Ozzy Osbourne’s solo career, is set to open at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery on 25 June 2025. The city where the Prince of Darkness was born and raised is now the setting for a landmark cultural moment, celebrating the life, music, and legacy of one of heavy metal’s founding fathers.
More than just a retrospective, Working Class Hero is a deeply personal and immersive journey through Ozzy’s evolution — from working-class beginnings in Aston to global stardom as a solo artist. With never-before-seen memorabilia, handwritten lyrics, stage outfits, photographs, video installations, and rare artefacts from the Osbourne family archives, the exhibition paints an intimate portrait of the man behind the myth.
A Homecoming Like No Other
Ozzy Osbourne has long been hailed as Birmingham’s most famous son. Though much has been written about his legendary work with Black Sabbath, Working Class Hero turns the spotlight on his four-decade solo career — a journey that redefined metal music and saw Ozzy become a Grammy-winning solo artist, MTV icon, and cultural phenomenon.
Speaking about the exhibition, Ozzy said:
“Birmingham gave me my start. This city means everything to me. To have an exhibition like this, in the place where it all began, it’s unbelievable. I’m honoured and blown away.”
Curated in collaboration with the Osbourne family, the exhibition explores the highs, lows, controversies, and triumphs of Ozzy’s solo years. Visitors can trace his transformation through every era — from the explosive debut of Blizzard of Ozz in 1980, to collaborations with legends like Randy Rhoads, Zakk Wylde, and Lemmy Kilmister, to his farewell tours and poignant battles with illness.
What to Expect: A Rock Legacy Unveiled
The exhibition offers an unfiltered, honest look at a man whose life and music have inspired generations. Highlights include:
- Original stage costumes from iconic tours like Diary of a Madman, No More Tours, and Ozzfest.
- Handwritten lyrics and notes, some never shown publicly, revealing the raw emotional depth behind tracks like Mama, I’m Coming Home and No More Tears.
- Rare guitars and instruments used throughout his solo career.
- Personal items and family mementos, including never-before-seen footage from the Osbourne family vaults.
- Interactive sound booths, where visitors can isolate vocals, guitars, and studio tracks from classic albums.
- A recreated recording studio and tour bus interior, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at life on the road.
There’s also a special section on Ozzfest, the groundbreaking metal festival Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne launched in 1996, which helped propel countless heavy acts to fame and forever changed the live music scene.
A Tribute to Resilience
One of the most compelling aspects of Working Class Hero is its unflinching look at Ozzy’s personal challenges — from addiction to illness — and his ongoing fight against Parkinson’s Disease. Rather than shy away from the hard truths, the exhibition honours his resilience, humility, and enduring bond with fans.
It’s a story not just of a rock legend, but of a man who never forgot where he came from.
Community and Culture
Working Class Hero is part of Birmingham’s ongoing celebration of its musical heritage and is expected to draw thousands of visitors from across the UK and beyond. The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of live talks, panel discussions, workshops, and film screenings, exploring the impact of Ozzy’s music and the wider Birmingham metal scene.
Special educational programs for schools and young musicians are also in development, aiming to inspire the next generation of working-class heroes.
Visit the Exhibition
Working Class Hero: The Ozzy Osbourne Solo Years
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Opening Date: 25 June 2025
Duration: June 25, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Tickets: On sale now via birminghammuseums.org.uk
Advance booking is strongly recommended, as demand is expected to be high. A limited number of VIP preview tours and collector’s nights will also be available.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan, a student of rock history, or simply curious about one of Britain’s most iconic figures, Working Class Hero promises to be a raw, riveting, and unforgettable journey through the life of a true legend.
The story began in Birmingham — now it comes full circle.
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