The city of Birmingham paused in solemn celebration as thousands gathered to honor one of its most iconic figures—Ozzy Osbourne.
Known worldwide as the godfather of heavy metal, Ozzy’s funeral procession turned his hometown into a sea of music, tears, and heartfelt farewells.
Fans young and old stood shoulder to shoulder, lining the streets to say goodbye to a man who not only revolutionized music but also carried his Birmingham roots proudly until the end.
Sharon Osbourne’s Emotional Tribute
Leading the heartfelt procession was Ozzy’s wife, Sharon, who couldn’t hold back her tears as she stepped out to greet mourners near Black Sabbath Bridge.
Surrounded by their children—Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Ozzy’s son Louis from his first marriage—Sharon laid flowers at a tribute site already covered in messages and mementos from grieving fans.
The family even offered a peace sign to the crowd, signaling gratitude and love.
The Procession That Stopped a City
Birmingham city centre transformed into a living tribute, with Black Sabbath songs filling the air thanks to the brass band Bostin’ Brass.
They marched down Broad Street ahead of Ozzy’s hearse, performing heavy metal classics like Iron Man in a way few could have imagined.
At 1pm, the streets were flooded with onlookers—some who had been waiting for hours—hoping for one last moment with their hero.
The singer’s hearse took a poignant detour past his childhood home on Lodge Road in Aston around 12:45pm.
Locals had placed fresh flowers outside the terraced home near Villa Park, while the current residents placed Ozzy’s photo in the front window.
The Black Sabbath Bridge: A Shrine of Remembrance
Navigation Street’s mural of Black Sabbath became a sacred space in the days leading up to the procession.
Flowers and messages covered every corner as fans remembered the man who was once just John Michael Osbourne.
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery even opened a condolence book alongside an exhibition titled Ozzy Osbourne (1948–2025): Working Class Hero.
This farewell was carefully planned in partnership between the Osbourne family and the city council—Sharon and the family generously covering the expenses so Birmingham could host a tribute befitting of Ozzy’s legacy.
Fans from Far and Wide Come to Say Goodbye
People traveled from all over to attend.
One man, going by the name Goose, shared how he found comfort and identity through Ozzy’s music as a teenager.
“He was like family,” he said.
“His songs made you feel seen.”
Evie Mayo, another fan, described Ozzy as a beacon of inspiration, adding that she’s even learning guitar to play his songs.
Musicians Alicia Gardener-Trejo and Aaron Diaz brought the music to life on the streets.
Alicia expressed how surreal it was to perform Black Sabbath’s songs on such a meaningful day.
“I grew up listening to him,” she said, “and now I get to be part of this farewell.”
A Multigenerational Farewell
Lee Clarke and his mother Tracey traveled 200 miles from Plymouth to be there.
Lee, a lifelong fan, said he always knew he’d make the trip when the time came.
His mother, now also a fan thanks to her son, described Ozzy as “an extraordinary, ordinary man” and felt compelled to show the family how deeply he was loved.
Even 10-year-old Eliza paid tribute, holding a handmade sign reading “Goodnight Ozzy – Birmingham Forever” while waving an umbrella adorned with model bats.
Her mother called Birmingham a “city in mourning,” grateful that the Osbourne family brought Ozzy home for a public goodbye.
The City Responds with Honor
Birmingham’s Lord Mayor Zafar Iqbal praised Ozzy as more than just a rock icon—he was “a son of Birmingham.”
He emphasized the significance of the city’s involvement in the tribute, calling it a proud moment to host such a farewell.
Broad Street was closed for much of the day, with traffic and trams diverted to accommodate the masses and the moving ceremony.
Ozzy and his Black Sabbath bandmates—Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward—had recently been granted the Freedom of the City, a recognition of their legendary contribution to Birmingham and to music history at large.
Celebrities including Sir Elton John were reportedly among those expected to attend commemorative events.
More Than Music: Ozzy’s Pop Culture Legacy
Ozzy wasn’t just a rock star—he was a cultural force.
After finding massive success with Black Sabbath, he launched a thriving solo career before becoming a reality TV icon with The Osbournes in the early 2000s.
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, he still made time for his fans, performing a farewell concert at Villa Park just weeks before his passing.
Over 42,000 fans watched him reunite with his original bandmates for one final show.
As fireworks lit the sky, Ozzy’s message to the crowd read: “Thank you for everything. Birmingham Forever.”
A Life of Rebellion, Music, and Love
Born in 1948, Ozzy dropped out of school at 15 and spent time in prison before chasing his love for music.
By 1970, Black Sabbath had taken both the UK and US by storm.
After leaving the band in 1978 and divorcing his first wife Thelma Riley, Ozzy rebuilt his life and career with Sharon, who became both his manager and life partner.
Together, they raised three children and built a multimedia empire.
His Final Wish: Celebration, Not Sorrow
Ozzy always said he didn’t want a sad funeral.
In 2011, he joked that guests could play whatever music they liked—even Justin Bieber—so long as there was laughter and pranks.
He envisioned his goodbye as a celebration of life, not a sobering reflection on death.
“No harping on the bad times,” he had said. “Say thanks.”
And Birmingham did just that.
With guitars, tears, smiles, and raised hands, the city gave its rock legend a farewell worthy of the legacy he left behind.
What Happens Next?
Though the public celebration has come to a close, the family is expected to hold a private burial—possibly on the grounds of their estate.
For fans, Ozzy’s spirit remains in every riff, lyric, and memory. His music lives on.
His city remembers. And his story, as chaotic and brilliant as it was, continues to inspire.
Rest in power, Ozzy Osbourne. Birmingham forever.