Birmingham stood still on July 30, as thousands flooded the streets to pay their final respects to one of rock’s greatest icons: Ozzy Osbourne. The legendary Black Sabbath frontman, who passed away on July 22 at age 76, was honored in a powerful public procession through the city where his story began.
A City in Mourning
From the early hours, fans lined Broad Street — many wearing bat-themed outfits, vintage Black Sabbath tees, and clutching flowers and handwritten notes. Some cried. Some sang. All came to honor the man who forever changed the face of rock and metal.
The hearse, carrying Ozzy’s casket adorned with a purple cross and surrounded by flowers spelling out “OZZY,” made its way to Black Sabbath Bridge — now a sacred site for fans around the world. A live brass band, Bostin’ Brass, played haunting renditions of Ozzy’s hits, with Iron Man echoing through the streets like a hymn.
Sharon’s Heartbreaking Tribute
At the center of it all was Ozzy’s wife of over four decades, Sharon Osbourne. Visibly shaken and holding a bouquet of pink and purple flowers wrapped in black paper, Sharon walked alongside her children — Jack (39), Kelly (40), Aimee (41), and Ozzy’s eldest son, Louis (50).
When the family reached the Black Sabbath memorial bench, Sharon paused. She looked out over the sea of mourners, raised her hand in Ozzy’s signature peace sign, and broke down in tears. The crowd responded instantly with shouts of “We love you, Sharon!” and thunderous applause, as daughter Kelly leaned on Jack for support.
Earlier, Sharon shared her grief on Instagram:
“This loss is sudden and impossible to process. To the world, he was a legend… but to me, he was my Terry. The man I loved. My partner. My heart.”
A Farewell from His Hometown
Even local officials felt the loss deeply. Zafar Iqbal, Lord Mayor of Birmingham, gave an emotional statement:
“Ozzy was more than a music legend — he was a son of Birmingham. We are proud to honor him in the city that shaped his incredible life.”
Fans shared personal stories of how Ozzy’s music changed their lives. One lifelong fan said, “He helped give people like me a voice. He felt like family.”
What Comes Next: A Private Goodbye
While the public funeral in Birmingham brought together tens of thousands, a private service will be held the next day in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire. Confirmed and rumored attendees include:
- Yungblud (expected to give a reading)
- Black Sabbath members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler & Bill Ward
- Metallica’s James Hetfield
- Sir Elton John
A Life That Transcended Music
Ozzy’s journey from a working-class boy in Aston to global rock icon is the stuff of legend. From wild stage antics — including that infamous bat incident — to reality-TV stardom on The Osbournes, his influence reached far beyond music.
Despite health struggles in later years, including a spinal injury and a Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020, Ozzy continued to perform, inspire, and connect with millions around the globe.
A new documentary, “No Escape From Now”, chronicling his final years, is expected to premiere on Paramount+ later this year.
Ozzy’s final message to fans?
“Don’t mourn too long. Turn it up, live loud, and remember — I love you all.”
🎥 Watch emotional footage from Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral procession below 👇
