Thousands of fans lined the streets of Birmingham, England, on Wednesday, July 30, to bid farewell to heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne. The singer’s funeral procession traveled through his hometown as loved ones and admirers paid tribute to his enduring legacy.
Purple Flowers Spell “Ozzy” As Fans Chant His Name
(Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)As the funeral cortège made its way down Broad Street, fans tossed flowers toward the hearse, which carried a casket adorned with a striking arrangement of purple blooms spelling out “Ozzy.”
The crowd erupted with chants of “Ozzy, Ozzy” in a moving show of respect.
(Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)Sharon leaned heavily on her children for strength during the emotional stop, with onlookers saying she was “carried by her family.”
(Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)The family’s united presence at the memorial gave fans a deeply moving and heartfelt moment of connection and farewell.
Sharon Osbourne Comforted by Kelly as Family Stops at Black Sabbath Bridge
GettyThe procession paused at the Black Sabbath Bridge, now a memorial space for Osbourne.
There, his family—including wife Sharon, daughter Kelly, son Jack, daughter Aimee, and son Louis—stepped out to take in the heartfelt tributes.
Fans shouted “We love you, Sharon” as Kelly held her mother’s hand during the emotional moment. All dressed in black, the family raised peace signs to the crowd before laying their own floral offerings.
Bostin’ Brass Performs “Iron Man” in Tribute
Accompanying the solemn procession was a live performance by local band Bostin’ Brass, who honored Osbourne’s legacy by playing his hits, including “Iron Man.” The music echoed down Broad Street, where tens of thousands of mourners gathered in support.
Private Burial Follows Public Farewell
(Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)After the public procession, Osbourne was to be laid to rest in a private ceremony later that day in Buckinghamshire. A source confirmed that Ozzy and Sharon had moved there in 2023, where he spent his final months surrounded by family.
Remembering the Prince of Darkness
(Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)Ozzy Osbourne died on Tuesday, July 22, at the age of 76. His family shared in a statement, “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
Just weeks before his passing, Osbourne took the stage one last time at Black Sabbath’s reunion concert at Villa Park on July 5. Unable to walk due to Parkinson’s disease, he performed from a throne before a roaring hometown crowd, marking his final bow in the city that made him a legend.
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Rock Legend Ozzy Osbourne’s Name Spelled Out in Flowers Amid Final Farewell Procession