Farewell procession in Birmingham: multitudes of fans bid adieu to Ozzy Osbourne - Multitudes of followers bid farewell to Ozzy Osbourne
In the heart of Birmingham, the birthplace of Ozzy Osbourne and the city where Black Sabbath was formed, a public funeral procession took place on a day that celebrated the life and legacy of the heavy metal icon.
The procession, a poignant journey through the city streets, paused at significant Black Sabbath landmarks to honour Osbourne's enduring impact. The route began at Broad Street, a bustling thoroughfare adorned with stars honoring famous city residents, including Osbourne, much like Hollywood's Walk of Fame.
As the hearse made its way down Broad Street, thousands gathered to witness the procession and pay their personal tributes. The cortege was accompanied by a brass band, adding a touch of solemnity to the occasion. The procession reached the Black Sabbath Bridge, a memorial site honouring Osbourne and founding members Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward.
Fans left floral tributes, notes, and even an Aston Villa shirt referencing Ozzy’s solo hit “Crazy Train” with the message “But Metal Lives Forever.” The city's Lord Mayor, Safar Iqbal, stated that it was important to honour Osbourne "appropriately" and "dignified." He added that Osbourne was more than a musical legend, he was a "son" of the city.
Osbourne's family, including his wife Sharon and their children, participated in the procession and spent time absorbing the fan tributes at the shrine. The funeral marked a significant communal moment for Birmingham and the global heavy metal community, celebrating Osbourne’s musical career and enduring impact with Black Sabbath and as a solo artist.
The funeral procession was followed by a private ceremony, expected to be attended by family members and industry giants like Elton John and Metallica's James Hetfield. Fans unable to attend in person could join via livestream.
Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away at the age of 75, leaves behind a legacy that transcends music. His contributions to heavy metal, as a founding member of Black Sabbath and a solo artist, have left an indelible mark on the genre. Black Sabbath, pioneers of heavy metal, sold over 75 million albums during their career, and their music re-entered the German charts last week after Osbourne's death.
The classic "Paranoid" from Black Sabbath reached number 70 on the German singles chart, and the album "Paranoid" reached number 29 on the German albums chart. This resurgence in popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of Osbourne's music and the profound reverence fans and the city shared in his final farewell.
As the city bid farewell to Osbourne "where it all began," it was clear that his influence extended far beyond the realm of music. He was a son of Birmingham, a heavy metal legend, and a cherished figure in the hearts of his fans. His final farewell was a poignant reminder of the power of music to unite, inspire, and heal.
Entertainment icons and figures of pop-culture worldwide paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, as his hometown of Birmingham, a city which also birthed Black Sabbath, celebrated the life and legacy of the heavy metal legend. The funeral procession, a poignant walk down memory lane, saw celebrities and thousands of fans, adorned in Black Sabbath memorabilia, walking through the city streets in honor of their beloved icon.
