Thousands gathered in Birmingham to bid a final, music-filled farewell to heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, who died on July 22nd at age 76. Honouring the “Prince of Darkness’s” own request for a celebration, a funeral procession transformed into a vibrant tribute. A brass band of young local musicians led the hearse down Broad Street – thronged with people lining both sides – playing beloved songs by the late Black Sabbath frontman. Crowds spanning generations chanted “Ozzy Ozzy Ozzy, oi oi oi” as the procession moved to its climax at the Black Sabbath Bridge, named for the legendary band Osbourne fronted in the 1970s and 80s.
Osbourne’s widow, Sharon, laid flowers among the many tributes left by fans. She tearfully read messages alongside children Kelly, Aimee, and Jack. Birmingham Mayor Zafar Iqbal stated the procession allowed the city to “pay tribute and bid a final farewell to one of its greatest living legends.”
A private funeral for family and close friends will be held tomorrow at a church in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, near the Osbourne home. Attendees will include original Black Sabbath members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward – who performed with Ozzy for the last time at a farewell concert in Birmingham on July 5th – alongside music stars such as Elton John, Metallica’s James Hetfield, and British singer Yungblud.