Ozzy Osbourne’s Funeral Turns Birmingham Into a City of Tribute

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Alberto Palao—Birmingham, one of the birthplaces of heavy metal, experienced one of its most emotional moments of 2025 this Wednesday, July 30. Thousands of people took to the streets to say goodbye to Ozzy Osbourne—the eternal ‘Prince of Darkness’. More than just a funeral, it was a powerful tribute to his life and lasting legacy in music.

Ozzy, who passed away on July 22 at the age of 76, wasn’t just the frontman of Black Sabbath. He was the spirit of a generation. His gritty voice and rebellious energy gave millions a sense of identity and belonging.

That connection was clear from the early morning, when fans began gathering around the Black Sabbath Bridge. Which is home to the band’s commemorative bench—dressed in band tees, leather jackets, and holding signs with messages of eternal love.

At 1:00 PM

The hearse began its procession through some of Birmingham’s most symbolic landmarks. Including Villa Park stadium—home to Aston Villa and the site of Black Sabbath’s final show just three weeks earlier. That concert, titled Back to the Beginning, now feels like a fitting farewell. Ozzy shared the stage that night with music legends like Metallica, Aerosmith, Anthrax, and Guns N’ Roses. What was meant to be a celebration now feels like the end of an era.

The procession, accompanied by police and surrounded by family and friends, made its way slowly through the city. Leading the way was local band Bostin’ Brass, playing brass versions of Black Sabbath classics.

Along the route, fans clapped, sang, and shed tears. But the mood wasn’t just somber—it was a moving mix of mourning and celebration. Because Ozzy isn’t really gone. He lives on in every guitar riff, every vinyl record, and in every teenager discovering metal for the first time.

A Farewell from Sharon Osbourne and Family

One of the most emotional moments came on Broad Street, when the procession stopped at the Black Sabbath Bridge. There, Sharon Osbourne—visibly emotional—alongside their children Jack, Kelly, and Aimee, laid flowers by the memorial bench. The crowd responded with a powerful round of applause and peace signs held high—Ozzy’s signature gesture, now a lasting symbol of his legacy.

After the public farewell, the Osbourne family and local authorities held a private funeral, organized by the city in collaboration with Ozzy’s loved ones. It was an intimate moment to close a chapter—though his legacy will continue to echo through amps around the world.

Ozzy Osbourne wasn’t just a rock icon. He was a trailblazer, a rebel, a survivor. And Birmingham—the city where it all began and that now says goodbye with standing ovations—will always remember him as its loudest, wildest, and most beloved son.