For decades, Ozzy Osbourne was the heartbeat of heavy metal, the voice that gave birth to a whole genre.
But now, just a week after his death at the age of 76, the city that raised him is preparing to say a final goodbye—with one last hometown send-off fit for a rock legend.
A Homecoming Procession for the Prince of Darkness
Ozzy’s body will return to Birmingham, the place where it all began, for a public procession ahead of his private funeral.
Starting at 1pm on Wednesday, the hearse carrying the Black Sabbath frontman will travel through the city, accompanied by his family and a brass band.
The route will go down Broad Street—an iconic Birmingham location steeped in music history and fan tributes.
The procession promises to be a deeply emotional event, not only for Ozzy’s loved ones but for the thousands of fans expected to line the streets.
Celebrities Join the Farewell to a Rock Icon
Ozzy’s final farewell is expected to be filled with famous faces from across the music world.
According to reports, Elton John is hoping to attend the church service, joining a lineup that includes Ozzy’s original Black Sabbath bandmates—Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, and Geezer Butler—as well as Metallica frontman James Hetfield.
A source close to the family shared, “Sharon and the family have been overwhelmed by the love they’ve received—not just from Ozzy’s friends but from his fans across the globe.”
The City Reflects on Its Most Famous Son
Lord Mayor of Birmingham Zafar Iqbal paid tribute to Ozzy, calling him “more than a music legend – he was a son of Birmingham.”
He emphasized how important it was for the city to offer this tribute before the family’s private ceremony.
“After his recent performance at Villa Park and being awarded the Freedom of the City, we knew this would mean the world to his fans.
We’re proud to honour his legacy here where it all began,” he said, praising the Osbourne family’s generosity in helping make the public event possible.
Roads Closed as City Braces for Thousands of Mourners
Birmingham City Council has been working quickly behind the scenes to organise a safe and respectful event.
Broad Street will be closed off from 7am, with bus and tram services diverted to accommodate the procession.
The hearse will make a symbolic stop at the Black Sabbath bridge and bench—places that have become spontaneous memorials covered in flowers and fan tributes since news of Ozzy’s passing broke.
Ozzy Wanted His Funeral to Be a Celebration, Not a “Mope-Fest”
Ozzy was always clear on one thing: he didn’t want his funeral to be a gloomy affair.
In a 2011 interview with The Times, he said he hoped his funeral would be a moment of thanks rather than sadness.
“There’ll be no harping on the bad times,” he said. “I want it to be a time to say ‘thanks’.”
And when it came to music? Ozzy didn’t care what played—as long as it made people happy.
“They can put on a medley of Justin Bieber, Susan Boyle, and We Are the Diddymen if it makes ’em happy,” he joked.
His Final Song Choice? A Beatles Classic Over His Own Tracks
Even though Ozzy had a legendary back catalogue of his own, he didn’t want any of his hits played at his funeral.
In an interview with NME back in 2016, he said he’d prefer something by The Beatles—his lifelong inspiration.
“I definitely don’t want my f**king greatest hits album—I never play that thing,” he said with his signature bluntness.
“Probably something from Sgt. Pepper or Revolver… I’d be happy with A Day in the Life.”
Ozzy once said he first fell in love with music when he heard She Loves You back in 1964.
That moment set him on a path to becoming one of the most influential musicians in rock history.
A Legacy Carried by Family, Friends, and Fans
Ozzy passed away last Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family.
His loved ones issued a heartfelt statement soon after:
“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning… He was with his family and surrounded by love.”
The rock star leaves behind his wife Sharon and six children.
With Sharon, he shared Aimee, 41, Kelly, 41, and Jack, 40.
From his earlier marriage to Thelma Riley, he also had Jessica and Louis, and adopted her son Elliot.
Years of Health Battles Before His Final Goodbye
Ozzy’s final years were marked by health challenges.
He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease back in 2003 and had undergone seven surgeries in recent years, including a major spinal operation in 2023.
Despite it all, he continued to perform, connect with fans, and speak openly about life, music, and mortality.
A Farewell as Loud and Legendary as the Life He Lived
As Birmingham prepares for Wednesday’s farewell, one thing is clear—Ozzy Osbourne will be remembered not just for his music, but for the passion, chaos, and love he brought into the world.
The city where he found his voice will now raise it one more time in tribute to a man whose legacy will echo far beyond any final chord.