Mourners shedding tears at Osbourne's emotional send-off funeral
In a touching display of love and respect, thousands of fans paid homage to the legendary Ozzy Osbourne in his hometown of Birmingham. The iconic singer, co-founder of Black Sabbath and one of the pioneers of the heavy metal genre, passed away on July 22 at the age of 76.
The city's mayor, Zafar Iqbal, made preparations for Osbourne's funeral, ensuring that the event was a fitting tribute to the "Prince of Darkness." The funeral procession, which took place on July 30, started from the heart of the city and made its way towards the Black Sabbath Bridge, a symbolic location dedicated to the band.
Along the route, fans left heartfelt messages and tributes, referencing his solo work, such as "Crazy Train," and emphasizing his lasting legacy with notes like "But Metal Lives Forever." One woman at the procession shared her personal connection, stating that Ozzy Osbourne had inspired her and that she was learning guitar to learn some of his songs.
The Black Sabbath Bridge was also the site where Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy's widow, laid flowers. The woman's heartfelt words resonated with many, as she expressed her love for Ozzy Osbourne's music and the impact he had on her life.
Ozzy Osbourne's farewell concert, held just a few weeks before his death, was a major milestone in heavy metal history. The historic event, titled "Back to the Beginning," took place at Villa Park on July 5, 2025. Black Sabbath's original lineup reunited for the occasion, performing iconic songs like "War Pigs" and "Iron Man." The concert was a emotional and legendary close to Osbourne’s career, marking his return to Birmingham, where Black Sabbath was formed in the 1960s.
The concert was a major event, not only for the heavy metal community, but also for the wider music industry. It garnered significant tributes from prominent bands such as Metallica, Slayer, Tool, and Guns N’ Roses, highlighting Osbourne’s enduring impact on the rock and metal scene. The event also had a charitable component, supporting children’s hospices and hospitals in Birmingham, showcasing Osbourne’s impact beyond music.
In summary, Ozzy Osbourne's farewell concert in Birmingham was a landmark event that celebrated his legacy with Black Sabbath’s reunion, garnered significant tributes from the heavy metal community, and evoked strong emotional responses from fans worldwide. His funeral procession further cemented his status as a revered figure in his hometown and in the global metal community.
Despite the bittersweet atmosphere, the heavy metal community and music industry came together to celebrate the life and music of Ozzy Osbourne at his farewell concert in Birmingham. Memorializing him as more than just a heavy metal icon, thousands left heartfelt messages and tributes at his funeral, referencing not just Black Sabbath, but also his solo music, such as "Crazy Train."
