Mourners gather for a heartfelt funeral service in Birmingham, honoring the life of Osborne - Mournful ceremony in Birmingham for Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne Bid Farewell in Homeland Birmingham
Birmingham, the hometown of music legend Ozzy Osbourne, said a poignant goodbye to its native son this week. Fans lined the streets, paying their respects and singing praises as the procession made its way through the city.
The procession, which took place on Monday, was a moving tribute to the Black Sabbath frontman. The route took Ozzy Osbourne's coffin past iconic landmarks, including the Bullring shopping centre and the Custard Factory, both of which hold special significance for the heavy metal icon.
Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy's widow, was among those who attended the procession. She briefly left one of the cars with tears in her eyes, a poignant moment that underscored the gravity of the occasion.
Fans showed their admiration and love for Ozzy Osbourne throughout the procession. One woman at the edge of the crowd declared, "Ozzy inspired me, and I love his music." She also shared her plans to learn to play guitar to master some of his iconic songs.
Black Sabbath, the band that launched Ozzy Osbourne's career, originated in Birmingham. The original members, Tony Iommi (guitarist), Ozzy Osbourne (vocalist), Geezer Butler (bassist), and Bill Ward (drummer), formed the band in Birmingham, England, and are widely recognised as pioneers of heavy metal music.
Their dark, heavy, and blues-infused rock sound defined the genre and emerged from the industrial working-class environment of Birmingham. Their music and style influenced generations of metal bands worldwide and established Birmingham as a critical home for heavy metal.
The band's original lineup reunited for a farewell concert in Birmingham in 2025, highlighting their enduring legacy. Birmingham honoured them with the Freedom of the City award for their outstanding contribution to both the city’s cultural identity and the global music scene.
As the procession came to an end, a private family burial for Ozzy Osbourne took place. His music, legacy, and influence will continue to live on, inspiring generations to come.
Birmingham, as the hometown of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, was the setting for a poignant farewell event that resonated in the realm of entertainment, punctuating the losses in the music industry and pop-culture. This week, amongst the circling whispers of deaths, Birmingham's streets echoed with tributes from people across the UK and US, singing praises for the music legend, reflecting his worldwide acclaim.
