The streets of Birmingham echoed with chants of “Ozzy!” as thousands of fans gathered to honor the late rock legend. Ozzy Osbourne fans will be given a final opportunity to celebrate the heavy metal icon as his funeral cortège moves through his hometown of Birmingham on Wednesday, July 30. The procession will offer a public goodbye before a private family ceremony later in the week.
The Black Sabbath frontman died at age 76 on July 22, just weeks after performing a triumphant farewell concert at Villa Park alongside fellow founding members and music legends like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses & Tom Morello.
When & Where Is the Funeral Procession?
Osbourne’s body will return to Birmingham for a public procession that begins at 1 p.m. local time (8 a.m. ET) on Wednesday. The route travels down Broad Street in the heart of the city, offering fans a chance to pay their respects.
Along the way, the cortège will pause at the Black Sabbath Bridge, home to a commemorative bench featuring life-size silhouettes of Osbourne and his bandmates Terry “Geezer” Butler, Tony Iommi & Bill Ward.
What to Expect During the Tribute
(Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)A live brass band performance by Bostin’ Brass will accompany the procession. Thousands are expected to gather along the route, and road closures are in effect throughout Birmingham, including Broad Street, which shut down to traffic early Wednesday.
The event was coordinated in collaboration with Osbourne’s family, who are covering all related costs. Birmingham City Council praised the late icon as a true son of the city, with Mayor Zafar Iqbal calling it “a fitting, dignified tribute.”
A Livestream Will Be Available for Fans Worldwide
For those unable to attend in person, a livestream from the Black Sabbath bench will be available. In addition, fans can sign a book of condolence at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery or visit the “Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero” exhibit launched by Sharon Osbourne in June.
You can start streaming Ozzy’s final farewell here. The live procession is also being covered by several news outlets on their official YouTube pages.
Reflecting on Ozzy’s Enduring Legacy
(Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)Osbourne’s influence on music is unmatched. As the self-proclaimed “Prince of Darkness,” he pioneered heavy metal with albums like “Black Sabbath” and “Paranoid.” Despite health battles in recent years—including Parkinson’s and a 2003 neck injury—his spirit remained unbreakable.
His family shared the news of his passing last week. In a statement, the family said: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning.”
“He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family’s privacy at this time.”
With voices raised and emotions high, the city is paying a fitting tribute to one of its most iconic sons in a farewell filled with love, music, and memory.
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Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Farewell: When & Where to Watch the Ceremony