Birmingham, England - Thousands of fans, alongside a visibly emotional Osbourne family, lined the streets of Birmingham today to bid a poignant and fitting farewell to one of its most legendary sons, Ozzy Osbourne. The "Prince of Darkness," who passed away on July 22nd at the age of 76, was honored with a public funeral procession through his beloved hometown before a private family service.
The atmosphere was a powerful blend of sorrow and celebration, a true testament to Ozzy's larger-than-life persona and his profound impact on music and culture. Mourners, many wearing Black Sabbath and Ozzy-themed merchandise, gathered hours before the procession began, eager to pay their final respects. Chants of "Ozzy! Ozzy! Ozzy!" echoed through the streets, accompanied by spontaneous singalongs of Black Sabbath classics.
The funeral cortege, led by a hearse adorned with purple floral tributes spelling out "Ozzy" and topped with a purple crucifix, began its journey from his childhood home in Lodge Road, Aston. Fans had left a sea of flowers and heartfelt messages at the modest terraced house, a stark reminder of his humble beginnings before he became a global icon.
The procession then made its way to Broad Street, one of Birmingham's major thoroughfares, and paused at the iconic Black Sabbath Bridge and bench. This landmark, named in honor of the band, has become a spontaneous memorial site since Ozzy's passing, overflowing with tributes.
It was here that the most emotional moments unfolded. Ozzy's wife of 43 years, Sharon Osbourne, accompanied by their children Kelly, Jack, and Aimee, and also Louis, Ozzy's son from his first marriage, stepped out of their vehicles to view the vast array of fan tributes. Sharon was visibly moved, wiping away tears as she placed a pink rose amongst the flowers, embraced by her children. Kelly and Jack also laid flowers, showing a united front of grief and love for their father. The family's presence deeply resonated with the crowd, who offered shouts of "We love you Ozzy!" and "Sharon we love you!"
A local brass band, Bostin Brass, added to the poignant atmosphere by playing renditions of Black Sabbath songs, including "Iron Man," a fitting musical tribute to the heavy metal pioneer.
Birmingham City Council worked closely with the Osbourne family to organize the public farewell, ensuring a dignified and safe event for the thousands of admirers. The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councilor Zafar Iqbal, expressed his pride in the city's ability to provide a "fitting tribute to a legend," acknowledging how much this moment meant to fans worldwide.
The procession, which saw fans leaning out of windows and climbing onto walls to catch a glimpse, culminated in a private funeral service expected to take place in Buckinghamshire later today. While the public farewell concluded, the spirit of Ozzy Osbourne clearly lingered in the air, as Birmingham proudly embraced its role as the "home of metal" and paid a heartfelt homage to one of its most cherished sons. The send-off was not just a funeral, but a roaring celebration of a life lived loud, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Prince of Darkness.