Thousands of fans and mourners gathered in Birmingham, England, to pay their respects to the late Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic lead singer of Black Sabbath, as his funeral procession made its way through the city. The procession, accompanied by a live brass band performance, passed by the star’s childhood home and stopped at the Black Sabbath bench, an art installation featuring headshots of each band member on a bridge named after the group. Family members, including his widow Sharon Osbourne, laid flowers and read tributes left by fans, visibly emotional as chants of “Ozzy! Ozzy! Ozzy!” echoed through the crowd.
The ceremony was a celebration of Osbourne’s life, reflecting his wish for his funeral to be a joyful tribute rather than a somber occasion. Fans from all over the world had traveled to Birmingham to pay their respects, leaving messages of condolence and flowers at the Black Sabbath Bridge, which has become a makeshift memorial. The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Zafar Iqbal, praised Osbourne as a “son of Birmingham” and expressed gratitude to the Osbourne family for allowing the city to host the tribute.
As the procession continued, fans showed their appreciation for the musician, who played a significant role in pioneering heavy metal and putting Birmingham on the musical map. The outpouring of love and respect for Osbourne was palpable, with many fans describing the experience as “overwhelming” and “emotional.” After the public procession, a private funeral service was held, attended by friends and family, bringing closure to a life that left an indelible mark on the music world.
