Birmingham, England – July 30, 2025 — Fans of rock icon Ozzy Osbourne will have the opportunity to pay their final respects today as a public funeral procession takes place in his hometown of Birmingham. The event begins at 1 p.m. on Broad Street and will feature a symbolic route that honors the legacy of the Black Sabbath frontman and one of heavy metal’s most influential figures.
Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on July 22 at the age of 76, was a towering presence in rock music for over five decades. Known for his groundbreaking work with Black Sabbath and his successful solo career, Osbourne left behind a cultural legacy that continues to influence artists and fans around the world. His funeral procession is expected to draw large crowds, as fans gather to celebrate the life and career of the “Prince of Darkness.”
Honoring a Birmingham Legend
The procession will begin on Broad Street and include a meaningful pause at the Black Sabbath bench and the nearby bridge dedicated to the band. These landmarks, which were unveiled in recent years as part of Birmingham’s tribute to its musical heritage, are central to the city’s identity and to Osbourne’s personal journey from working-class Aston to global stardom.
A live performance by local brass ensemble Bostin’ Brass will accompany the moment, offering a unique and heartfelt tribute that blends Birmingham’s musical diversity with the occasion’s solemnity. The band’s performance is expected to include renditions of iconic Black Sabbath tracks, reimagined in a powerful brass style that reflects both reverence and celebration.
A Family-Funded Farewell
The Osbourne family has fully funded the funeral procession, working in close coordination with Birmingham City Council to ensure that the event is accessible, respectful, and safe for the public. Temporary traffic and transit changes will be in place throughout the afternoon to accommodate mourners and manage crowd flow. City officials have advised attendees to use public transportation where possible and to arrive early if they wish to secure a good viewing spot along the route.
In a joint statement, the Osbourne family said:
“We are deeply moved by the outpouring of love from around the world. Ozzy loved Birmingham with all his heart, and we know he would be humbled by this tribute. We invite fans to join us in celebrating his extraordinary life.”
Global Access Through Livestream
For fans who are unable to attend in person, a livestream of the Black Sabbath bench will be available, allowing global audiences to witness a key moment of the procession. The stream is being coordinated with local media outlets and will remain accessible online following the event.
Social media platforms have already been flooded with tributes, photos, and memories from across the globe. From fellow musicians to longtime fans, many are sharing the profound impact that Ozzy Osbourne had on their lives.
A Career That Changed Music Forever
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham in 1949, Ozzy rose to fame in the 1970s as the lead singer of Black Sabbath, a band widely credited with pioneering heavy metal. With hits like “Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” and “War Pigs,” Sabbath’s dark, heavy sound laid the foundation for generations of metal and rock bands. Osbourne’s solo career, launched in the 1980s, was equally successful, producing albums like “Blizzard of Ozz” and “No More Tears.”
His flamboyant stage presence, unmistakable voice, and rebellious spirit made him a cultural icon. Beyond music, Ozzy became a reality TV star in The Osbournes, endearing himself to new audiences with his candid humor and eccentricity.
Over his lifetime, Osbourne received numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award, an MTV Icon award, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Black Sabbath in 2006. His contributions to music were also recognized in his hometown with the unveiling of the Black Sabbath Bridge and commemorative bench on Broad Street.
A Lasting Legacy
As the funeral procession unfolds today, Birmingham stands not just as a city in mourning but as a city paying homage to one of its most legendary sons. Ozzy Osbourne’s influence extends far beyond heavy metal — he was a voice for outsiders, a pioneer in sound, and an enduring figure in popular culture.
Today’s tribute will offer a fitting farewell, rooted in the city that shaped him and that he never forgot. As fans line the streets and music echoes across Birmingham, the memory of Ozzy Osbourne will live on — louder than ever.
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