A grieving Sharon Osbourne made her way to Birmingham’s Black Sabbath Bridge on Wednesday, bouquet in hand, to say a final farewell to her beloved husband. As she arrived, thousands of fans erupted into cheers, chanting “Sharon” and “Ozzy!” in tribute to the legendary rocker.
Fans Honor Ozzy With Devil Horns as Osbourne Family Responds With Peace Signs
(Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)Sharon and her children gently placed flowers as Ozzy’s funeral procession moved through Birmingham City Centre, honoring the late Black Sabbath frontman with a solemn tribute.
(Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)The emotional moment marked the beginning of a public procession through the city Ozzy once called home, and where his legacy still looms large.
Sharon stepped out of the car with her daughter, looking visibly devastated. Ozzy Osbourne’s family turned to face the crowd gathered along Broad Street, visibly moved by the overwhelming show of support.
(Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)Fans erupted in chants, cheers, and applause, many raising their hands in the iconic devil horns salute.
(Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)In a quiet, heartfelt response, Sharon Osbourne and other family members offered peace signs back to the crowd, acknowledging the love and respect being shown.
Ozzy Osbourne’s Funeral Procession Begins in Birmingham
Ozzy Osbourne’s body was brought back to Birmingham for a public procession that began at 1 p.m. local time on July 30. The route traveled along Broad Street and paused at the Black Sabbath Bridge, home to a commemorative bench featuring life-size silhouettes of Ozzy and his bandmates Terry “Geezer” Butler, Tony Iommi & Bill Ward.
The cortège was accompanied by a live brass performance from Bostin’ Brass. Road closures were in place throughout the area as fans gathered in massive numbers, many holding signs, blowing balloons, and painting banners in Ozzy’s honor.
Birmingham officials coordinated the event with Ozzy’s family, who personally funded all arrangements.
“Ozzy was more than a music legend – he was a son of Birmingham,” Mayor Zafar Iqbal said. “We’re proud to host a fitting, dignified tribute in the place where it all began.”
Remembering Ozzy Osbourne’s Legacy
(Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)Best known as the “Prince of Darkness,” Ozzy helped pioneer the heavy metal genre with Black Sabbath’s groundbreaking albums “Black Sabbath” and “Paranoid.” In the years leading up to his death, Ozzy endured multiple health setbacks, including Parkinson’s disease and lingering injuries from a 2003 accident, yet continued performing and recording music into his final days. On July 22, he passed away at age 76, surrounded by family.
Fans across the globe can pay their final tribute by watching via a livestream at the Black Sabbath bench. A book of condolence remains open at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, along with the “Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero” exhibit, launched in June by Sharon Osbourne.
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Sharon Osbourne Overcome with Emotion Amid All of the Love at Ozzy’s Funeral [PHOTOS]