Birmingham has announced its first-ever “Ozzy Day,” set for July 22nd, exactly one year after Ozzy Osbourne’s death. The citywide celebration will feature live music, public art, film screenings, and special tributes across Birmingham’s city centre, including stops at the iconic Black Sabbath bench and bridge, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, and Birmingham New Street Station. Bostin Brass and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra are among the performers. A limited-edition “Ozzy Day” T-shirt, featuring imagery from his final Back to the Beginning concert, will also be available. “We’re creating a city centre wide experience that celebrates the legacy of a truly global, Birmingham-born icon,” said Birmingham Central BID chairman Sam Watson. Osbourne was born in Birmingham in 1948 and died at age 76. Story URL
Billy Joel has revealed why he largely stepped away from songwriting after his 1993 album River of Dreams. In a recent interview with Rick Beato, Joel said he feared continuing to release music would “dilute” his legacy. “I’ve heard artists who keep putting out records, and they really dilute their legacy,” Joel said. “I didn’t want to go like that.” He also cited family life, not wanting to “lock myself in a cave” while raising a child. Joel compared his 12-album catalog to The Beatles, saying that felt like “just enough.” He returned briefly in 2024 with “Turn the Lights Back On,” his first single in 17 years. Joel recently canceled a tour after being diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, though he has since performed publicly for the first time since his diagnosis. Story URL
The John Prine Family and The Hello In There Foundation have announced a series of events across Chicago from October 7-11, celebrating what would be Prine’s 80th birthday. Highlights include screenings of the concert documentary How Lucky Can One Man Get at the Gene Siskel Film Center, a panel discussion at the Chicago History Museum, and a mural unveiling by artist Jon Langford at the Old Town School of Folk Music. The centerpiece is “Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine,” a sold-out tribute concert on October 8 at The Chicago Theatre, hosted by John C. Reilly. Newly added performers include Nathaniel Rateliff, Valerie June, Jordan Davis, and Hayes Carll. All concert proceeds benefit The Hello In There Foundation, which has awarded $1.4 million in community grants since 2021. Story URL