Birmingham bids adieu to hometown hero Ozzy Osbourne, England's heavy metal icon
Ozzy Osbourne's Farewell Procession in Birmingham
Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary heavy metal icon, was laid to rest in his hometown of Birmingham, England, in a deeply emotional and well-attended funeral procession. The city's streets were filled with thousands of fans who gathered to pay their respects, creating a poignant and celebratory atmosphere [1][2][4].
The procession began at the Black Sabbath Bridge, a significant landmark for Osbourne's admirers, which has become a shrine to the heavy metal icon [4]. Fans showed their admiration and grief by leaving flowers, pictures, notes, and other tributes at this spot, reflecting the profound impact Osbourne had as a "son of Birmingham" and a pioneer of heavy metal music [2].
The route of the funeral cortege took it through the city center, with fans lining the streets, balancing on railings, and climbing atop bus stops and advertising screens to catch a glimpse of the procession. Along the route, displays showed a picture of the singer with the message, "Ozzy Forever - Birmingham will always love you" [3].
The mayor of Birmingham, Zafar Iqbal, described the immense love fans showed for the musician and his family, and emphasized how Osbourne had "put Birmingham on the map" [2]. The Bostin Brass Band followed the funeral cortege, performing Black Sabbath classics that echoed through the city streets [4].
The atmosphere was one of love and respect, with crowds cheering "We love you, Ozzy!" as the procession paused, allowing both his family and the public a moment to honor his legacy [4]. The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Zafar Iqbal, emphasized Osbourne’s significance to the city, highlighting his local roots and legendary status [2].
The procession was a public and emotional farewell for a musical icon who had just completed his final tour prior to his death at age 76 [1][4]. The event was privately funded by Osbourne's family, but it is reported that the concert held just over two weeks before his death raised substantial funds for charity [5].
During the procession, Osbourne's children and grandchildren waved to the crowd of well-wishers, and his wife Sharon added her own pink rose to the growing pile of tributes at the Black Sabbath Bridge [1][4]. The concert, "Black Sabbath: Back to the Beginning," which took place at Villa Park, featured Ozzy Osbourne's original band lineup, including Metallica and Guns N' Roses [6].
The funeral procession was a significant public event that symbolized Birmingham’s pride in Osbourne’s life and work. The city will forever remember him as a son of Birmingham and a pioneer of heavy metal music, whose legacy will live on for generations to come.
[1] BBC News [2] The Guardian [3] NME [4] Metro [5] The Independent [6] Rolling Stone
- Despite the event being privately funded, the concert held before Ozzy Osbourne's death raised substantial funds for charity.
- The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Zafar Iqbal, highlighted Osbourne's local roots and legendary status during the funeral procession.
- Fans of Ozzy Osbourne showed their sentiment by leaving flowers, pictures, notes, and other tributes at the Black Sabbath Bridge.
- ESG funds may want to consider the impact of Ozzy Osbourne's death on pop-culture sentiment and entertainment industries, as the heavy metal icon's passing could have significant implications.
