Published: 30th July 2025 | The English Chronicle Desk | The English Chronicle Online
The city of Birmingham stood still today as thousands of fans gathered to honour the life and legacy of heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away last week at the age of 76. In a heartfelt farewell befitting one of the most iconic voices in rock history, a special funeral procession was held through the heart of his beloved hometown, giving fans a final opportunity to say goodbye.
The procession, which began at 1pm, travelled down Birmingham’s Broad Street and passed the Black Sabbath Bridge and bench—locations forever etched in the city’s musical history. Roads were closed from early morning to prepare for the solemn tribute, as fans lined the pavements with flowers, candles, posters, and memorabilia celebrating the man who helped redefine rock and metal over five decades.
Ozzy’s family—his wife Sharon and children Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis—followed the cortege through the streets, accompanied by the rousing sounds of a live brass band, Bostin’ Brass. The city was blanketed in emotion as people of all generations paid tribute to the Black Sabbath frontman whose music and defiant spirit influenced millions around the globe.
The procession was made possible by a personal gesture from Sharon Osbourne, who funded all security and organisational costs for the event. The City Council supported the road closures, while the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal, paid tribute to Ozzy, calling him “more than a music legend – a true son of Birmingham.” He added, “After receiving the Freedom of the City and his recent triumphant return at Villa Park, it was only right that his city should honour him with dignity and love.”
Ozzy, who had been battling Parkinson’s disease in recent years, had expressed his desire to return home to Birmingham for his final days. He succeeded. The official announcement of his death was marked poignantly with the words “Birmingham, England, July 22, 2025.”
Although today’s procession allowed fans to publicly grieve, a private funeral service will be held tomorrow at a church in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire. The intimate ceremony is expected to be attended by close family and a few legendary guests including Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, and Geezer Butler—Ozzy’s Black Sabbath bandmates—as well as close friends like Elton John and singer Yungblud, who is set to deliver a reading.
In the lead-up to today’s event, Birmingham saw a wave of public tributes. Black Sabbath Bridge became a sea of colour and remembrance, blanketed in flowers, fan letters, and personal mementoes. Meanwhile, a live video stream was made available at blacksabbathbench.co.uk to allow fans across the world to be part of this historic farewell.
At the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, a book of condolence was opened beside the ongoing Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero exhibition, curated in collaboration with Sharon. From the mural on Navigation Street to the now-iconic statue of “Ozzy the Bull” at New Street Station, Birmingham has embraced its rock ‘n’ roll son with open arms and unwavering pride.
Many fans arrived early this morning with camping chairs and umbrellas, some clad in classic tour shirts from the 1980s, others in homemade outfits celebrating the larger-than-life persona that Ozzy carried with humour and humility. Stewards were on hand to manage the growing crowd, and the atmosphere remained reflective yet electric—true to the spirit of the man himself.
The procession marked the end of an era not just for Birmingham, but for global music culture. Ozzy Osbourne was not merely a performer. He was a symbol of rebellion, resilience, and raw emotional expression. His songs captured the angst and anger of generations while his personal battles resonated with countless fans navigating their own struggles.
As the brass band faded into the distance and Broad Street slowly reopened, there was a lingering silence in the air—a moment of collective memory and reverence. For many, today was more than a funeral. It was a celebration of a legacy that will thunder through amps and hearts for decades to come.
Ozzy Osbourne may have left the stage, but in Birmingham, and across the world, the music—and the man—will never be forgotten.
