Additional Coverage:
- Ozzy Osbourne’s casket adorned with floral tribute for final journey through Birmingham (themirror.com)
Birmingham Bids Farewell to its Prince of Darkness
Thousands lined the streets of Birmingham on Wednesday to pay their respects to rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, who died July 22 at age 76. A funeral procession wound its way through the city, passing by Osbourne’s childhood home, before a private service.
The procession featured a hearse adorned with a floral tribute spelling “Ozzy” and followed by family members in a cortege of black Mercedes. Osbourne’s wife of over 40 years, Sharon, and children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack were visibly emotional as they viewed tributes left by fans along the route.
Adding a poignant musical touch, the Bostin’ Brass band accompanied the procession, playing Black Sabbath classics and Osbourne’s solo hit “Crazy Train.” The band previously performed at the unveiling of a mechanical bull named after Osbourne for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Fans gathered along Broad Street to witness the procession and pay tribute to the “Prince of Darkness.” A memorial has been growing at the Black Sabbath bench on the local street since news of his death broke last week.
A private funeral service followed the procession, attended by close friends and family. Expected guests included celebrities such as Sir Elton John, Ozzy’s Black Sabbath bandmates, Metallica frontman James Hetfield, and singer Yungblud, who recently opened for Black Sabbath and paid a moving tribute to Osbourne online after his passing.