BIRMINGHAM, England – On July 30, 2025, thousands of fans lined the streets of Birmingham, England, to bid a heartfelt farewell to heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on July 22 at the age of 76. The funeral procession for the Black Sabbath frontman, affectionately known as the “Prince of Darkness,” was a poignant and raucous celebration of his life, reflecting both his musical legacy and his deep connection to his hometown. Here are key details from the emotional event that you may have missed.
A Hometown Hero’s Final Journey
The procession began at 1 p.m. BST, with a hearse carrying Osbourne’s coffin, adorned with a purple floral tribute spelling out “OZZY,” making its way through Birmingham’s Broad Street. The cortege passed significant landmarks, including Osbourne’s childhood home in Aston and Villa Park, where he performed his final concert, “Back to the Beginning,” on July 5. The event, which reunited Black Sabbath’s original lineup, drew over 40,000 fans and featured tributes from rock giants like Metallica and Guns N’ Roses. The procession’s route culminated at the Black Sabbath Bridge and bench, a site that has become a pilgrimage point for fans since its dedication in 2019.
A Family in Mourning
Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife of 43 years, led the procession alongside their children, Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, as well as other family members, including Osbourne’s son Louis from his first marriage and grandchildren. At the Black Sabbath Bridge, a tearful Sharon, supported by Kelly and Jack, laid a pink rose among the sea of flowers, notes, and tributes left by fans. The family paused for several minutes to read heartfelt messages, with Sharon flashing Ozzy’s signature peace sign to the crowd, a gesture that sparked cheers and chants of “Ozzy! Ozzy! Ozzy! Oi! Oi! Oi!” The emotional weight of the moment was palpable, as fans noted Sharon’s fragility, with one describing her as “a woman holding herself together” amidst her grief.
A Raucous Yet Respectful Send-Off
True to Osbourne’s wishes, the procession was far from a “mope-fest.” The local Bostin’ Brass Band led the cortege, playing Black Sabbath classics like “Iron Man” and “Crazy Train,” evoking both Birmingham’s pride and the spirit of New Orleans-style funeral marches. Fans, many dressed in Black Sabbath gear, threw roses, held up rock hand gestures, and sang along to impromptu renditions of songs like “War Pigs.” Some left unique tributes, including toy bats—a nod to Osbourne’s infamous 1982 bat-biting incident—and bottles of Jack Daniel’s, reflecting his rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. The atmosphere was charged with both reverence and celebration, fulfilling Osbourne’s desire for a joyful farewell.
Global Devotion on Display
The procession drew fans from across the world, showcasing Osbourne’s universal impact. Niclas Sundsborn, a 53-year-old from Sweden, spent $1,300 on a plane ticket to attend, calling Osbourne “an icon.” Ebony Rager, 28, traveled from Edinburgh after meeting Osbourne at a Comic Con event weeks earlier, where he wore a bracelet she gifted him. Local fans, like 19-year-old Eddie Hayes from Newcastle, emphasized Osbourne’s singular influence, stating, “People like Ozzy will never be around again.” The diversity of the crowd, spanning generations from children to septuagenarians, underscored his enduring legacy.
Birmingham’s Pride and Tributes
Birmingham’s Lord Mayor, Zafar Iqbal, described Osbourne as “more than a music legend—a son of Birmingham,” noting the city’s pride in honoring him. The Osbourne family funded the procession, which was livestreamed globally, allowing fans worldwide to participate. Tributes extended beyond the streets, with a condolence book at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and plans for a permanent statue proposed by fans like Jack Ryland-Smith. The surge in streams of “Crazy Train,” which hit No. 46 on the Billboard Hot 100, further highlighted Osbourne’s lasting impact.
Ozzy’s Vision Fulfilled
In a 2011 interview with The Times, Osbourne expressed his desire for a funeral that was a “celebration, not a mope-fest,” even joking about pranks like “knocking inside the coffin” or playing unexpected music like Justin Bieber. While the procession leaned into his musical legacy rather than pranks, the vibrant energy of the crowd honored his wish for a lively farewell. Upcoming projects, including a concert documentary, Back to the Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow, and a Paramount+ feature, Ozzy Osbourne: No Escape From Now, will ensure his spirit endures.
As Birmingham and the world mourned, the procession was a testament to Osbourne’s role as a cultural titan who transformed heavy metal and touched countless lives. “Ozzy Forever,” as fans chanted, capturing the sentiment that his legacy will never fade.
