Farewell to the Prince of Darkness: Thousands of fans line the streets of Birmingham ahead of Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral procession

In simpler terms, Ozzy Osbourne became famous as a heavy metal legend due to his powerful singing style in rock music. Later, his charming personality on television transformed him into a popular figure in reality TV.

In the days leading up to his funeral, numerous celebrities, devoted fans, and affectionate residents have flocked the streets of his hometown as a heartfelt tribute, after his passing at the age of 76.

Since the family, which includes his wife Sharon, announced it on Tuesday, the man often referred to as the ‘Prince of Darkness‘ has been remembered in Birmingham.

The well-frequented “Black Sabbath Bridge” in England’s second city was adorned with floral offerings yesterday, and it was cordoned off to allow the family to pay their respects this morning.

A funeral parade along Birmingham’s Broad Street is planned for 1pm onwards.

Even since the start, a large number of people had been assembling ahead of time, out of reverence, for the musician renowned for hits like Paranoid and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, who they were eager to pay tribute to.

Numerous individuals have been spotted gathering not just on Black Sabbath Bridge, but also throughout the city center’s extended path which his procession is set to traverse.

Starting around 1pm, the hearse transporting Osbourne will travel along Broad Street, beginning at the bustling Five Ways roundabout, and head towards the Black Sabbath memorial bench.

Family members are anticipated to witness the funeral procession, led by the Bostin’ Brass, a live brass band – a colloquial term from the Black Country area.

Over these past few days, I’ve found myself drawn to the Black Sabbath mural on Navigation Street, a place where my heart swells with emotion. As an ardent fan, I’ve been leaving touching messages and beautiful bouquets as a tribute to the heavy metal legend who hails from the Aston area of Birmingham, my hometown too!

The general public has also contributed to a book of sympathy, initiated by Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, currently displaying an exhibition called “Ozzy Osbourne (1948-2025): Born a Working Class Hero.

In the planning phase of the parade, Birmingham City Council teamed up with the Osbourne family, covering all related expenses themselves.

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to express that Ozzy was not merely a music legend; he was a cherished son of Birmingham.

After receiving the Freedom of the City and his notable performance at the Back to the Beginning concert at Villa Park this month, it’s crucial for our city to organize an appropriate, respectful memorial service prior to a private family funeral.

‘It’s clear how significant this event will be for his fans. We’re honored to stage it here with his family, in the location where everything started. We’re thankful that they have generously agreed to cover the costs, making this a reality and providing him with the send-off he deserves, while also supporting our city.’

Starting today at 7 am, Broad Street is no longer accessible for regular traffic. Instead, buses and trams are being rerouted prior to the street, which will remain filled with bars until the event ends, at which point it will reopen.

Osbourne, along with band members Terence ‘Geezer’ Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward, were recently honored by the city of Birmingham, granting them a special title that acknowledges their remarkable contributions to the city.

They are expected to attend, while other reported celebrity guests include Sir Elton John. 

The band that came together in 1968 is often recognized for shaping and making popular the style of heavy metal music.

In the 2000s, Osbourne gained a fresh group of admirers after appearing on the reality TV show “The Osbournes,” where he shared the spotlight with his wife Sharon, as well as their children Kelly and Jack. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that Osbourne had already established a thriving solo career prior to this TV appearance.

In 2019, the renowned musician was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. On July 5, he gave his final performance at a concert where acts such as Anthrax, Metallica, and Guns N’ Roses also performed.

In the final days before his passing, Ozzy performed a goodbye concert on the stage of Villa Park stadium, his hometown in Birmingham.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t contain my excitement! After all these years, the legendary rocker has finally gotten back together with his original Black Sabbath comrades for the first time since 2005. And it wasn’t just any gathering – this was a heartfelt farewell to decades of electrifying live performances on stage. I couldn’t believe my eyes as they took the stage once more, creating music history yet again!

In an electrifying turn of events at a recent concert, titled “Back To The Beginning,” I found myself standing before a sea of over 42,000 passionate fans. As the curtains fell during my closing address, I looked out at the sea of faces and couldn’t help but feel deeply moved. In that moment, from the core of my being, I expressed my heartfelt gratitude: ‘I can hardly find the words to express it, but thank you from the depths of my soul.’

The screen displayed a message: “Thank you for everything, you’re truly phenomenal. Long live Birmingham!” Then, the sky burst into a stunning firework display.

I mentioned that this would be my final show, given the challenges posed by my ongoing battle with Parkinson’s, a condition I made public knowledge in 2020.

In a statement shared last Tuesday, Ozzy’s family said he died ‘surrounded by love’.

With deeper sorrow than any words can express, we regretfully announce the passing of Ozzy Osbourne this morning.

He is survived by his wife Sharon and his five children Jessica, Louis, Aimee, Kelly and Jack.

Last Wednesday, it was disclosed by Daily Mail that an emergency air ambulance was summoned to Ozzy Osbourne’s sprawling rural estate, where paramedics fought tenaciously to preserve his life for a span of two hours.

Friends mentioned to Alison Boshoff from The Mail that Sharon, who is deeply saddened, might choose to have a small, private funeral for Ozzy in the gardens of their 350-acre property.

Originating from Birmingham in 1948 as John Michael Osbourne, Ozzy later left education at the tender age of 15.

After serving two months in prison for burglary, he decided to pursue his love of music.

By 1970, the British band formerly known as Earth, later recognized as Black Sabbath, had built a massive fanbase in both the United States and the United Kingdom through the debut of their first album.

In 1978, Ozzy left the band, and four years after that, he parted ways with his first wife, Thelma Mayfair, in 1982. They were parents to two kids together. This separation occurred while Ozzy grappled with persistent issues related to substance abuse.

Later, he wed his second spouse, Sharon. Together, they played significant roles in his transition into a thriving solo performer, and they were blessed with three kids as a family.

Ozzy gained a whole new audience of fans with the family’s reality TV show The Osbournes in 2001.

In 2011, he shared with The Times his thoughts about how he envisioned his farewell, stating: ” frankly, I don’t mind what songs they play at my funeral; they could even play a medley of Justin Bieber, Susan Boyle, and ‘We Are The Diddymen’, if it brings them joy.

However, I want to ensure that it’s a joyful occasion, not a gloomy gathering. I’d also appreciate a bit of mischief: perhaps a surprise inside the casket like someone knocking, or a video of me jokingly asking my doctor for a second opinion on his “death” diagnosis.

Instead of dwelling on past hardships, it’s important to remember that many individuals experience only adversity throughout their lives.

‘Regardless of how you look at it, many of us in our nation, including celebrities such as myself, are quite fortunate. As a result, I prefer my funeral not to be a somber occasion – instead, I’d like it to serve as an opportunity for expressing gratitude.’

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2025-07-30 11:34