Private funeral for Ozzy Osbourne not to be a mournful gathering
Ozzy Osbourne's Celebration of Life in Birmingham
Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary rock musician and star of MTV's reality show "The Osbournes," was laid to rest in a private funeral in 2023. However, his memory lived on in a poignant and moving funeral procession that took place in Birmingham, England, the city where he was born and raised, and where Black Sabbath, the band he fronted, was formed.
The procession began on Broad Street at 1 p.m. local time, winding its way through the city, and ending at a canal bridge named in honor of Black Sabbath. The site features a bench with life-size cutouts of the band's original members, including Osbourne. Fans gathered along the route and at the bridge, leaving flowers, pictures, and messages to commemorate his legacy.
One of the messages read, "Thank you for the ride on Crazy Train, Ozzy," a reference to his iconic song. The city and its leaders celebrated Osbourne as a "son of Birmingham," highlighting his deep connection to the city and his impact as a music legend.
Osbourne passed away in 2023, just over two weeks after Black Sabbath's first performance in 20 years. His death came after he called off a tour in early 2023 and officially retired from touring due to health issues associated with his Parkinson's disease.
In his farewell concert, Osbourne expressed his gratitude to his fans, saying, "You've no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart." In a later interview on "The Osbournes" podcast, he addressed the rumors of his death, stating, "I don't feel dead. I'm not dead. I'm not going any f-ing anywhere."
Osbourne is survived by his six adult children and wife Sharon. He was also a father to Louis and Jessica, from his first marriage to Thelma Riley, and he adopted Elliot, Thelma Riley's son. His children, Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, were the centerpiece of "The Osbournes," which was a hit on MTV in the early 2000s.
The family has been touched by the love and support pouring in from around the world following his death. Despite the private nature of the funeral, the funeral procession served as a fitting tribute to a man who lived his life with wild and charismatic spirit, and who will be remembered as one of the greatest rock musicians of all time.
[1] Source: Birmingham City Council press release, July 30, 2025.
- People's appreciation for Ozzy Osbourne's contributions to pop-culture, music, and entertainment extended beyond his death, as they gathered to express their love and commemoration during his poignant funeral procession in Birmingham.
- The celebration of Ozzy Osbourne's life in Birmingham included a focus on his deep connection to the city's health and well-being, symbolized by a bench at the canal bridge named in honor of his iconic band, Black Sabbath.
