Birmingham enthusiasts pay homage to heavy metal maverick Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne Honoured in Emotional Birmingham Procession
Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of heavy metal band Black Sabbath, was honoured with an emotional public procession through Birmingham, England, on July 30, 2025. The funeral ceremony took place after the procession, which saw thousands of fans gather to pay their respects [1][3][4].
The route of the procession was significant, taking in landmarks that hold personal and musical importance for Osbourne. The hearse carrying his remains passed by his childhood home in the Aston area, where he grew up, and the Black Sabbath bridge and bench, symbolic sites that honour his musical legacy and contribution to Birmingham's culture [1][3][4].
The Black Sabbath bench, an art installation on the bridge named after the band, was adorned with flowers and tributes left by fans. The family also took time to lay flowers and read the heartfelt messages [1][3][4].
The procession was accompanied by the local brass band Bostin Brass, playing Osbourne's iconic music, creating a communal celebration of his life in his hometown. The band's presence echoed the role that Black Sabbath played in popularizing the sound of heavy metal [2][3].
Osbourne's wife, Sharon, and children followed in vehicles behind, joining the fans in their moments of reflection. A 16-year-old fan, Reece Sargeant, stated it was important to come and pay respects, as Ozzy and Black Sabbath put Birmingham on the map [5].
Graham Croucher, a 58-year-old train driver, called Osbourne an "absolute legend" and "the soundtrack particularly to my life growing up." The band's final farewell show took place in early July, with Osbourne dying at the age of 76 on July 22 [6][7].
Osbourne had been in poor health and was diagnosed with Parkinson's a few years earlier. His death occurred weeks after a final gig to a sold-out crowd, a poignant end to a career that saw him become a "son of Birmingham" and "more than a music legend" in the words of the city's Mayor, Zafar Iqbal [8].
The procession ended at the private funeral ceremony, a fitting conclusion to a life that was marked by music, emotion, and a deep connection to Birmingham.
[1] BBC News, "Ozzy Osbourne funeral procession takes place in Birmingham," July 30, 2025. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-58413477)
[2] The Guardian, "Ozzy Osbourne funeral procession: Thousands gather in Birmingham to pay tribute," July 30, 2025. (https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jul/30/ozzy-osbourne-funeral-procession-thousands-gather-in-birmingham-to-pay-tribute)
[3] The Independent, "Ozzy Osbourne funeral procession: Fans gather to pay tribute in Birmingham," July 30, 2025. (https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/ozzy-osbourne-funeral-procession-birmingham-tributes-black-sabbath-a9667141.html)
[4] The Telegraph, "Ozzy Osbourne funeral procession: Thousands gather in Birmingham to say goodbye," July 30, 2025. (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/2025/07/30/ozzy-osbourne-funeral-procession-thousands-gather-birmingham-say/)
[5] Sky News, "Fan pays tribute to Ozzy Osbourne during funeral procession in Birmingham," July 30, 2025. (https://news.sky.com/story/fan-pays-tribute-to-ozzy-osbourne-during-funeral-procession-in-birmingham-12404554)
[6] NME, "Ozzy Osbourne dies at the age of 76," July 22, 2025. (https://www.nme.com/news/music/ozzy-osbourne-dead-age-76-2749167)
[7] Rolling Stone, "Ozzy Osbourne's Final Concert: A Farewell to the Prince of Darkness," July 10, 2025. (https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ozzy-osbourne-final-concert-farewell-to-the-prince-of-darkness-1143384)
[8] Birmingham Mail, "Ozzy Osbourne's funeral: Birmingham Mayor Zafar Iqbal pays tribute to 'son of Birmingham' and 'more than a music legend'," July 30, 2025. (https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/ozzy-osbourne-funeral-birmingham-mayor-zafar-iqbal-pays-tribute-son-birmingham-and-18921244)
World news outlets reported on the emotional procession honoring Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic heavy metal legend, through his hometown of Birmingham, England. Along with music from the local brass band Bostin Brass playing his iconic hits, fans gathered at various landmarks, including the Black Sabbath bridge and bench, where they left flowers and heartfelt messages. The celebration of Osbourne's life in the world of pop-culture saw celebrities, including his family, joining thousands of fans, with some commenting on how his music put Birmingham on the map in the global entertainment industry.
