BREAKING: Black Sabbath Frontman Ozzy Osbourne C…read more.
Hundreds of fans lined the streets of Birmingham yesterday to pay their final respects to legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne as his funeral procession made its way through the city that gave birth to heavy metal. The event, though somber, was a powerful and emotional farewell to the Black Sabbath frontman, whose influence on music and culture spanned generations.
The procession began in the early afternoon, departing from St. Martin’s Church in the city center just a stone’s throw from the Aston neighborhood where Osbourne grew up. Led by a classic black hearse adorned with white lilies, the motorcade moved slowly through familiar streets, passing landmarks that held significance to Osbourne’s early life and career. Fans many dressed in black and wearing Black Sabbath T-shirts lined the route, some holding signs, others quietly weeping, and many singing along to his iconic songs that played softly in the background.
For lifelong fan Liam Foster, 52, it was a moment he said he “never wanted to come but couldn’t miss.”
“Ozzy’s music saved my life,” he said. “He was more than a singer he was the voice of the outcasts, the weirdos, the rebels. Seeing him pass through Birmingham one last time… it’s like the soul of this city is grieving.”
The mood was respectful but charged with emotion. Several fans lit candles or placed flowers along the roadside, while others brought personal memorabilia to leave behind a gesture reminiscent of a pilgrimage. Many came from outside the city, some from as far as Germany, Poland, and Italy, to witness the moment in person.
A large video screen set up in Victoria Square displayed a rolling tribute video of Osbourne’s life from grainy footage of early Black Sabbath rehearsals to his final public appearances. Messages from friends, fellow musicians, and fans around the world were broadcast, including a particularly moving statement from Tony Iommi, Osbourne’s longtime bandmate and friend.
“Ozzy was the heart of Sabbath and the heart of Birmingham,” Iommi said. “His laughter, his voice, his madness we’ll never hear or feel anything like it again. He was one of a kind.”
The funeral service earlier in the day was private, attended by family, close friends, and former bandmates. Among those spotted entering the church were Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, and Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson, who reportedly gave a short reading during the ceremony. Rapper Eminem, who had developed a surprising friendship with Osbourne in recent years, also flew in from Detroit to attend.
As the procession came to a close, many fans remained behind, reluctant to let go. A spontaneous sing along of “Changes” broke out near the church gates, voices cracking with emotion but united in love.
Ozzy Osbourne may be gone, but for Birmingham and the world his legacy remains louder than ever.
“He was the Prince of Darkness,” one young fan said, tears streaking his face. “But he brought so much light.”
