Birmingham came to a standstill in a final, emotional tribute to its most famous rock son, as the funeral procession for Ozzy Osbourne moved through the city centre. Fans lined the streets in tears to wave goodbye to the Black Sabbath frontman, who died on Tuesday, July 22, aged 76.
A City in Mourning for Its Freeman
The hearse carrying the rock icon travelled along Broad Street, passing landmarks deeply connected to his legacy. The procession was a poignant homecoming for Osbourne, who was born at Marston Green Hospital on December 3, 1948, and was recently honoured as a Freeman of the City of Birmingham alongside his bandmates Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler.
His widow, Sharon Osbourne, and their children Jack, Kelly, and Aimee, were at the heart of the sombre event. The family visited the now-iconic Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge on Broad Street, where they viewed the mountains of floral tributes and heartfelt messages left by devoted fans from across the globe.
Scenes of Tribute and Sorrow
The atmosphere was one of collective grief and celebration of a monumental life. A brass band led the cortege, providing a solemn soundtrack to the procession. Crowds packed the route hours early to secure a spot, their faces a mix of sadness and reverence for the man known worldwide as the Prince of Darkness.
The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal, also paid his respects, viewing the tributes prior to the family's arrival. The scene at the Sabbath Bridge was transformed into a sea of flowers, memorabilia, and handwritten notes, illustrating the profound impact Osbourne had on his hometown and his fans.
A Legacy Forged in Birmingham
This final journey through Birmingham's streets underscored the unbreakable bond between the rock star and the city that shaped him. From the industrial backdrop that inspired Black Sabbath's heavy sound to the civic honour bestowed just weeks before his passing, Osbourne's story is intrinsically linked to Birmingham.
The day was described by onlookers as unforgettable, a fitting send-off for a true original. While the world mourned a music legend, Birmingham said farewell to a local hero, whose legacy will forever echo in the city's cultural fabric.
