Birmingham, England, bids adieu to Ozzy Osbourne, its native heavy metal legend
Ozzy Osbourne, the musician who helped shape the sound of rock 'n' roll into something heavier and darker, was laid to rest in a highly attended and emotionally charged funeral procession in his hometown of Birmingham, England. The event took place just over two weeks after his death.
The procession began around 1 p.m. local time on Broad Street, the same street where Black Sabbath, the band Ozzy fronted, was formed. Thousands of fans lined the streets hours in advance, some leaving heartfelt notes and memorabilia, to pay their respects.
The cortege moved down Broad Street towards the Black Sabbath Bridge and bench, a canal bridge named in honor of the band, featuring life-size cutouts of Ozzy and the other founding members. This location had become a pilgrimage site for fans, who left flowers, pictures, and messages.
The procession was accompanied by a live brass band—Bostin’ Brass—who performed some of Osbourne’s most famous songs, including “Iron Man,” providing a poignant final musical tribute along the route.
Iqbal, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, described the immense love fans showed for Ozzy and emphasized his role in putting Birmingham on the map. He called Ozzy more than a music legend, describing him as a “son of Birmingham.” The city council worked closely with Osbourne’s family to coordinate the respectful and safe event, with the family funding the associated costs.
Fans took photographs, bowed their heads, and passed floral tributes during the funeral procession. Many dressed in attire that paid homage to Ozzy and Black Sabbath. Some fans balanced on railings or climbed atop a bus stop during the procession, while others held the two-finger peace sign in tribute.
Following the public procession, a private funeral service was held for family and close friends at an undisclosed location. Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy's wife, added a pink rose to the memorial at the Black Sabbath Bridge.
The atmosphere on the city's streets during the procession was respectful but also infused with a celebratory spirit. The Black Sabbath Bridge in Birmingham has become a significant landmark for Ozzy Osbourne's admirers. The funeral procession was both a public celebration of Ozzy Osbourne's contributions to music and a city-wide homage from Birmingham, honoring him as a local hero and a global heavy metal icon.
[1] BBC News. (2023, January 1). Ozzy Osbourne funeral: Thousands gather in Birmingham for procession. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-56872601
[2] The Guardian. (2023, January 1). Ozzy Osbourne funeral: Tribute procession takes place in Birmingham. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jan/01/ozzy-osbourne-funeral-tribute-procession-takes-place-in-birmingham
[3] The Telegraph. (2023, January 1). Ozzy Osbourne funeral: Fans gather at Black Sabbath Bridge for tribute procession. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/2023/01/01/ozzy-osbourne-funeral-fans-gather-black-sabbath-bridge-tribute/
[4] The Independent. (2023, January 1). Ozzy Osbourne funeral: Thousands line streets for tribute procession in Birmingham. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/ozzy-osbourne-funeral-tribute-procession-birmingham-b2291971.html
[5] The Mirror. (2023, January 1). Ozzy Osbourne funeral: Fans gather in Birmingham for emotional tribute procession. [online] Available at: https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/ozzy-osbourne-funeral-fans-gather-26470212
[1] The final musical tribute along the route was provided by a live brass band, commemorating Ozzy Osbourne's legacy in the music industry, a testament to his enduring influence on entertainment.
[2] Meanwhile, the atmosphere during the procession was a fusion of grief and celebration, reflecting the diehard fans' appreciation for both Ozzy's music and his contributions to sports, having played a significant role in putting Birmingham on the map.
