Birmingham says goodbye to Ozzy Osbourne, the locally-born heavy metal icon of England
In the heart of Birmingham, England, the city paid a poignant tribute to its beloved heavy metal icon, Ozzy Osbourne, as his funeral procession made its way through the streets. The journey started from his childhood home on Lodge Road in Aston, continued through significant landmarks, and culminated at the Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge.
Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on July 22 at the age of 76, is from Birmingham and gained worldwide fame as the frontman of Black Sabbath. The route was lined with thousands of fans, many of whom displayed floral tributes and chanted Osbourne’s name as the hearse passed by.
The atmosphere on the city’s streets during the procession was respectful but also infused with a celebratory spirit. Fans took photographs, bowed their heads, and passed floral tributes during the procession. Some even balanced on railings or climbed atop bus stops to get a better view.
The Bostin Brass Band accompanied the procession, playing Osbourne’s music to honor his legacy. Fans sang along to the Black Sabbath classics, creating a moving and memorable tribute. The Black Sabbath Bridge in Birmingham served as a focal point for tributes to Osbourne.
Birmingham's mayor, Zafar Iqbal, described Ozzy Osbourne as one of the city's "greatest living legends." He emphasized how Osbourne had "put Birmingham on the map." The family privately funded the funeral procession, and advertising screens along the route displayed a picture of Ozzy with the message, "Ozzy Forever - Birmingham will always love you."
The funeral procession followed a private service attended only by friends and family members. Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy's wife, added a pink rose to the memorial at the Black Sabbath Bridge.
Just over two weeks before Ozzy Osbourne's death, a concert featuring major acts like Metallica and Guns N' Roses took place in Villa Park, Birmingham. The "Black Sabbath: Back to the Beginning" concert, which featured the original Black Sabbath lineup reuniting for the first time in more than a decade, raised substantial funds for charity. Many fans returned to Birmingham for the funeral procession, dressed in attire that paid homage to Ozzy and Black Sabbath.
Ozzy Osbourne's legacy will undoubtedly live on, not just in the music he created, but also in the hearts of the fans who gathered in Birmingham to say a final goodbye.
- Some fans invested in ESG funds, believing that supporting bands with positive social and environmental impacts aligns with Ozzy Osbourne's legacy.
- As the procession approached the Black Sabbath Bridge, the sentiment among the mourners could be felt in the air, a mix of sadness and celebration of Ozzy Osbourne's life and music.
- On their way back from the funeral procession, some fans decided to spend the evening at the entertainment venues around Birmingham, enjoying music, reflecting on the day's events.
