Birmingham, England, gathered tens of thousands of Ozzy Osbourne’s fans to honor the heavy metal icon who passed away earlier this month. The crowd paid their respects during a poignant funeral procession that highlighted Osbourne’s immense influence on rock music.
The singer’s coffin was paraded through Birmingham’s Broad Street, stopping at the Black Sabbath Bridge, named after the legendary band he co-founded nearly six decades ago. This site has become a significant place for tributes following his death, where family members, including his wife Sharon, paused to admire the sea of flowers and heartfelt messages left by fans. A visibly emotional Sharon added her own pink rose to the memorial.
Joined by his children and grandchildren, the Osbourne family acknowledged the crowd’s love with waves, as fans raised their hands in the signature two-finger peace sign that Ozzy popularized. Cheers of “Ozzy Ozzy Ozzy oi oi oi!” erupted from the crowd, creating a unifying moment of celebration.
Ozzy’s fame extended beyond music, notably through his family’s reality show, The Osbournes, which topped MTV ratings in the early 2000s. He was recently honored with the Freedom of the City award, reinforcing his status as a Birmingham legend, as noted by Mayor Zafar Iqbal.
During the procession, the Bostin Brass Band performed Black Sabbath classics, creating a festive atmosphere among fans dressed in memorabilia from the band’s extensive tours. Many took the opportunity to pay tribute, leaving flowers and personal messages, while advertising screens along the route featured a message proclaiming “Ozzy Forever — Birmingham will always love you.”
In keeping with his wish for a non-depressing farewell, the day’s tone was more celebratory than mournful, reflecting a life celebrated on Ozzy’s terms and his lasting impact on music and culture. The event served as a testament to his legacy and the city’s deep connection to their homegrown rock legend.