Watch Ozzy Osbourne’s Funeral Procession as Fans Gather to See His Cortege Travel Through Birmingham, UK
via Reuters / YouTube
Fans Say Goodbye in Birmingham
Fans of Ozzy Osbourne gathered in his hometown of Birmingham, United Kingdom, to pay their last respects as his funeral cortège passed through the city. The procession began at 1 p.m. local time, moving along Broad Street while fans lined up to watch quietly.
The event happened ahead of a private funeral and allowed both the public and his family to see flowers, notes, and other tributes left by supporters. News outlets such as The Independent, Sky News, CNBC, and the Associated Press streamed the event live.
View this post on Instagram
Music and Memories on Broad Street
The cortège moved slowly toward the Black Sabbath Bridge and the bench named after the band. This spot has become a central place for fans to gather. Local musicians from Bostin’ Brass played live brass band music during the procession, giving a final musical tribute to Ozzy’s life and work.
Crowds filled the street to honor the man known for shaping heavy metal and representing Birmingham throughout his career. Many waved, held up signs, or stood quietly as the hearse passed.
A Son of Birmingham
Just a month before his death, Ozzy and his fellow BLACK SABBATH members Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, and Geezer Butler received the Freedom of the City of Birmingham. Zafar Iqbal, the city’s lord mayor, said:
“Ozzy was more than a music legend — he was a son of Birmingham… 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. We’re proud to host it here with his loving family in the place where it all began.”
View this post on Instagram
A Community Effort
Birmingham City Council worked quickly with the Osbourne family and other partners to organize the public tribute. The Osbourne family paid all related expenses for the event. A condolence book was also opened at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, next to the “Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero” exhibit.
This event was set before the private funeral, with no details released yet. Fans were encouraged to leave messages in the public book and visit the tribute exhibit.
Ozzy’s Own Funeral Wishes
Back in 2011, Ozzy joked in a “Dear Ozzy” column in The Times of London, “I honestly don’t care what they play at my funeral… But I do want to make sure it’s a celebration, not a mope-fest.” He also joked about pranks at his funeral like coffin knocking or a video of him asking for a second opinion on “death.”
View this post on Instagram
His Final Days and Legacy
Ozzy died on July 22, surrounded by his family. “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning,” his family said. No cause was shared, but he had been dealing with Parkinson’s and other health issues.
His final live appearance was just two weeks earlier at Villa Park, where he performed with BLACK SABBATH in front of more than 40,000 fans. Over 5.8 million watched online. He also sang solo, seated on a throne with bat designs.
A Lasting Impact
Formed in Birmingham in 1968, BLACK SABBATH sold over 75 million albums and inspired generations. Ozzy’s TV show The Osbournes won a Primetime Emmy in 2002. He joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the band in 2006 and again as a solo artist in 2024.
He also created Ozzfest with his wife Sharon in 1996 after being rejected by Lollapalooza. The 1997 tour included acts like PANTERA and MARILYN MANSON.
Ozzy is survived by Sharon, his six children, and millions of fans worldwide.
Keep going for the video below:
