Ozzy Osbourne Funeral Will Include Procession Through His Hometown
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Final Tribute in Birmingham
Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral procession will go through his hometown of Birmingham this Wednesday. The route will start on Broad Street and continue to the Black Sabbath Bridge and the Black Sabbath bench. These spots became gathering places for fans who left flowers, tributes, and messages after the rock legend’s death last week at the age of 76.
The event will begin at 1pm BST. Birmingham’s Lord Mayor, Zafar Iqbal, shared how much this moment means to the city and fans. “It was important to the city that we support a fitting, dignified tribute ahead of a private family funeral. We know how much this moment will mean to his fans.”
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Family and Fans Will Join
The Osbourne family is covering all the costs of the event. His wife, Sharon, and children Kelly and Jack are expected to join the procession, along with other family members. After the public tribute, a private funeral will take place, though its details have not been shared.
Local brass band Bostin Brass will play music during the procession. Some members of Black Sabbath and British musician Yungblud are expected to take part as well. Fans who can’t attend in person will be able to watch through a live stream at the Sabbath bench.
Visitors and Honors
Fans from around the world have come to Birmingham to say goodbye. Even Canadian artist Drake, who was touring nearby, stopped by to pay his respects. Mayor Iqbal walked with fans to sign the book of condolences. He said Ozzy “put Birmingham on the map. He put Aston on the map.”
Earlier this year, in June, Osbourne and Black Sabbath were given the Freedom of the City. The award came during their “Back to the Beginning” concert — a final, star-filled event celebrating Osbourne and the band’s last live performance. That show helped raise over £1 million for local children’s charities and Parkinson’s treatment, a condition Ozzy had been living with since 2003.
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Legacy and Last Wishes
Osbourne passed away 17 days after that performance, at home in Buckinghamshire. His death reminded many fans of David Bowie, who died just days after releasing his final album Blackstar in 2016.
Thousands of people are expected to gather for the Birmingham procession. Local officials have advised mourners to arrive early, with roads closing at 7am. A book of condolences remains open at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. The museum is also holding an exhibition titled Ozzy Osbourne (1948–2025): Working Class Hero.
Back in 2011, Ozzy shared his thoughts about his funeral in an interview with The Times. “But I want to make sure it’s a celebration, not a mope-fest,” he said. He didn’t mind what music would be played — he just wanted people to remember him with joy.
