Sharon Osbourne turned heads in Birmingham as she downed a bottle of Patient Number 9 beer at Merlins Café Bar, a horror-themed establishment, during the run-up to World Ozzy Day on July 22. The 73-year-old widow of Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne cracked open the commemorative brew, toasted to her late husband, and then chugged the beverage with visible enthusiasm.
An Unforgettable Visit
According to bar owner Martin Fox, Sharon joked that if she ever needed another job, she would work behind his bar. She didn't stop at one sip—she continued with another substantial swig and gave an enthusiastic nod of approval. The bar shared the experience on Instagram, calling it 'an unforgettable, funny, and utterly surreal experience for our staff, customers, and friends who were in the building to witness it.'
The post added, 'Mrs. O officially gets the Merlin's stamp of approval (and her apron is waiting whenever she wants to start)!' Sharon reposted the content on her own social media, and fans were delighted.
The Beer's Significance
Patient Number 9, brewed by Hobsons Brewery Co., marks the first official Ozzy Osbourne Day on July 22 and the launch of a beer series celebrating the 'Prince of Darkness.' According to the brewery's website, it is 'a tribute to the Prince of Darkness, his legacy, and the region that forged him.' The beer's name references Ozzy's 2022 album 'Patient Number 9,' which won a Grammy for Best Rock Album.
Fan Reactions
Fans took to social media to share their amusement. One user, Daftaboutcraft1, commented, 'Bloody love this ?? No glass required ??.' Another, the_slender_them, wrote, 'Wait what?! I would genuinely love to see them work the bar.' Littemisssadface simply called it 'iconic.'
World Ozzy Day
Sharon was in Birmingham for World Ozzy Day, which marked one year since Ozzy's death at age 76 and celebrated his legacy as one of Birmingham's biggest cultural icons. Speaking to the BBC about how fans should remember him, she said, 'As Ozzy would say: "When you want to remember me, just yank up the music really loud, as loud as you can get it, and just head bang." '
Ozzy Osbourne, born in Birmingham in 1948, rose to fame as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath, a band that pioneered heavy metal in the early 1970s. His solo career further cemented his status as a rock legend, with hits like 'Crazy Train' and 'No More Tears.'
A Personal Connection
Sharon's visit to Merlins Café Bar was not just a publicity stunt; it reflected her personal connection to the city where Ozzy grew up. The bar, known for its horror-themed decor, provided a fitting backdrop for the tribute. The beer, which is now available in select outlets, is expected to become a collector's item for fans.
This event comes amid ongoing tributes to Ozzy, including a planned statue in Birmingham and a documentary about his life. Sharon has been vocal about keeping his memory alive, and her impromptu bar appearance is another example of her hands-on approach to honoring her late husband.
