Birmingham, UK — July 30, 2025 — Fans around the world watched and mourned as the hearse carrying rock legend Ozzy Osbourne made its final route through his childhood city on Wednesday. What began as a public procession along Broad Street unfolded into a global livestreamed tribute, giving fans everywhere the chance to say farewell to the self-proclaimed “Prince of Darkness.”
From Black Sabbath Bridge to a Final Salute on Broad Street
Osbourne’s public procession started at approximately 1 p.m. local time (BST)—shortly after 8:00 a.m. in the U.S. Eastern Timezone—rolling slowly down Broad Street, before making a solemn pause at the now-memorialized Black Sabbath bench and bridge, where thousands had left tributes in the days following his passing on July 22, 2025, aged 76.
Thousands lined the streets, some chanting “Ozzy! Ozzy! Ozzy!”, as the cortege moved past floral offerings and messages from fans across the globe. Bostin’ Brass, a renowned brass band with roots in Birmingham, accompanied the hearse with a stirring live soundtrack, blending poignant reflection with the celebratory tone that Osbourne long wished for.
A Global Livestream Hosted from the Black Sabbath Bench
For those unable to attend in person, a professional livestream was broadcast from the Black Sabbath Bench site. The stream was free and easily accessible on platforms including YouTube via outlets like USA Today, CNBC‑TV18, Reuters, and other major channels. Livestream viewership offered a chance to see Osbourne’s hearse, the fan-lined streets, and glimpses of his grieving family members—including his wife Sharon, and children Kelly and Jack Osbourne—as they exited their vehicles and paused at the memorial bench.
This live broadcast fulfilled the late musician’s explicit desire for his funeral to be a celebration, not a mope‑fest—something he had championed in a Times column as far back as 2011.
Local Authorities and Family Lead Logistics and Tribute
The Birmingham City Council worked closely with the Osbourne family—who generously funded the procession—to coordinate road closures, public safety, and transportation diversions starting from 7 a.m. to minimize disruption as fans gathered along the route. Lord Mayor Zafar Iqbal described Ozzy as “more than a music legend—he was a son of Birmingham,” acknowledging the significance of the public farewell in honoring his legacy.
In June, weeks before his death, Osbourne and his Black Sabbath bandmates had been awarded the Freedom of the City, which recognized their immense cultural impact on Birmingham—making this public funeral procession a deeply symbolic tribute.
Private Funeral and Final Farewells
Following the public procession, a private funeral service was held later in the day—attended by close family and friends. Reports indicate that Sir Elton John, Black Sabbath founding members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, and Yungblud (who delivered a reading), were present at the private service in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire. The intimate ceremony honored Osbourne’s wish for celebration over sorrow, offering closure to those closest to him.
Reflecting Osbourne’s Final Bow and Enduring Influence
Just weeks earlier on July 5, Osbourne had performed his farewell concert with Black Sabbath at Villa Park in Birmingham—an emotional reunion of the original lineup and a major charitable event that raised around £140 million for causes including Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Cure Parkinson’s, and Acorns Children’s Hospice.
That event—aptly titled “Back to the Beginning”—was both nostalgia and culmination, reaffirming Birmingham’s role in shaping the trajectory of heavy metal. The funeral procession brought everything full circle: from final songs at Villa Park to a walk past the Black Sabbath bench, across the streets where his legacy had risen.
Why It Mattered
The procession was both personal and public, merging family mourning with global participation. It reflected the rock star’s wishes and connected his fans to his memory in a shared ritual. The livestream ensured that regardless of geography, supporters worldwide could witness the farewell of one of rock’s most iconic figures.
For Birmingham, it was a moment of civic pride: a final tribute to a homegrown legend who never forgot his roots. For the world, it was the closing chapter of a life defined by musical innovation, cultural rebellion, and longevity that transcended the stage.
Summary Table
| Event Component | Details |
| Date & Time | July 30, 2025 at ~1 p.m. BST (approx. 8 a.m. ET) |
| Route | Broad Street → Black Sabbath Bridge & Bench |
| Accompaniment | Bostin’ Brass live performance |
| Livestream Access | Via Black Sabbath bench stream; YouTube outlets such as USA Today, Reuters, CNBC‑TV18 |
| Private Funeral | Held later for family and select friends (including Elton John, Black Sabbath members) |
| Legacy Link | Follows farewell concert Back to the Beginning at Villa Park on July 5, 2025 |
Ozzy Osbourne’s final journey through Birmingham was more than a funeral procession—it was a celebration of life, community, and music that spanned six decades. His fans could stand at the bench and street corners, or press play on a livestream, but wherever they were, they witnessed his final ride home.
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