Sharon Osbourne Breaks Down in Tears as Thousands Pay Their Respects to Ozzy in Birmingham
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A City Says Goodbye
Sharon Osbourne broke down in tears as thousands gathered in Birmingham to honor her late husband, Ozzy Osbourne. The BLACK SABBATH singer, who passed away last Tuesday at age 76, was given a public procession through the city where he grew up.
On Wednesday, the streets were filled with fans and mourners. Sharon, 72, was joined by their children — Aimee, Jack, and Kelly — as they walked behind the hearse. The procession paused at several places from Ozzy’s early life, including his childhood home on Lodge Road in Aston.
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Cheers and Chants for the Prince of Darkness
As the cortège moved by, fans shouted, “Ozzy! Ozzy! Ozzy! Oi! Oi! Oi!” A brass band performed “Iron Man” in tribute while flowers and signs lined the roads. Outside his former home, the current residents placed a photo of Ozzy in the front window, and many fans left flowers on the pavement.
At Broad Street’s Black Sabbath bench, the family stepped out once again. Sharon greeted the crowd with peace signs and hugged Lord Mayor Zafar Iqbal in an emotional moment. Ozzy’s grandchildren laid flowers at the growing memorial, joining the many who had already come to say goodbye.
The Final Ride Through Birmingham
The black Jaguar hearse, followed by six Mercedes cars and a police escort, made its way slowly through the city. Each family member carried a pink flower wrapped in black paper. These were added to a collection of tributes next to a poster that read: “Birmingham will always love you.”
The procession passed Ozzy’s childhood home around 12:45 p.m. Fans quietly stood by as the hearse made its way along Lodge Road. Flowers had been left outside, and the front window displayed a photo of the singer. The hearse spelled out “Ozzy” in purple flowers.
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Tributes at the Bench and Beyond
The vehicles continued toward Broad Street, stopping at the Black Sabbath bench where thousands of fans had placed tributes, balloons, and notes. Musicians from Bostin Brass played more Black Sabbath songs as people threw flowers onto the hearse.
Nearby on Navigation Street, fans left more flowers near a mural painted ahead of the recent “Back to the Beginning” concert. This concert at Villa Park was one of Ozzy’s last public appearances, held just weeks before his passing.
What Ozzy Meant to His Fans
A fan who identified as Goose spoke to the PA news agency. Goose said Ozzy felt like family and explained how he discovered heavy metal in his teens.
“That’s when I found, like millions of people around the world, that there was music that was for us, something that understood us,” he said.
He added, “Ozzy helped give that to the world. He was a family member. He felt like a family member to so many people and he touched so many people’s lives.”
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From Birmingham to the World
Earlier this summer, Ozzy and his BLACK SABBATH bandmates — Terence “Geezer” Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward — were awarded the Freedom of the City. It’s one of the highest honors Birmingham can give, recognizing those who made a lasting impact on the city.
Formed in 1968, BLACK SABBATH shaped the sound of heavy metal. Ozzy’s influence stretched beyond music with a solo career and new fame in the 2000s through The Osbournes, a reality TV show he shared with Sharon, Kelly, and Jack.
Final Performances and Farewell
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, Ozzy continued to perform when possible. His last show took place on July 5, where he appeared alongside bands like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Anthrax.
Just over two weeks later, Ozzy died — not far from where BLACK SABBATH first played more than 50 years ago. His send-off in Birmingham reflected the deep connection he always had with the city, his family, and the fans who followed him through every stage of his life.
Watch the funeral procession here:
