BIRMINGHAM, England — Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath, was honored in an emotional farewell as Birmingham celebrated one of its most beloved figures. On Wednesday, thousands of fans flocked to the city center to pay their respects as Osbourne’s hearse processed through the streets, with his grieving family following closely behind.
At the age of 76, Osbourne passed away last Tuesday, leaving a void in the world of music and among his fans. His hearse traveled along Broad Street, stopping at the Black Sabbath bench on the canal bridge, a landmark unveiled in 2019 to commemorate the band’s impact on the city. Fans chanted “Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy, oi, oi, oi,” their voices echoing through the streets.
A somber procession of six vehicles, carrying the Osbourne family, moved through Birmingham escorted by police. Sharon Osbourne, his wife of 43 years, was seen wiping away tears, clearly moved by the tributes laid out by admirers. Though the hearse continued its journey to a private funeral, the city remained alive with the sound of Black Sabbath’s music, a testament to its legacy in the heavy metal genre.
Birmingham was the birthplace of Black Sabbath, where Osbourne spent his formative years and where the influential heavy metal band began in 1968. The city embraced both the band and their contribution to music history, evident in the diverse crowd that gathered, spanning from young children to senior fans. Antony Hunt, a long-time admirer, remarked on the day’s emotional impact and reflected on the varied ages of those present, marking their collective admiration for Osbourne.
Katie Brazier, the head of events at Birmingham City Council, highlighted Osbourne’s connection to the city, noting his unwavering pride in his origins and his distinctive Brummie accent. Recently, Black Sabbath members, including Osbourne, were awarded the Freedom of the City, honoring their extraordinary impact on Birmingham and the wider music landscape.
The story of Black Sabbath began with the original quartet—Osbourne, Terence Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward—seeking to escape industrial jobs by creating a new, fierce sound. Their debut album in 1970 stormed the U.K. charts, signaling the birth of heavy metal and leading to numerous successful albums that defined a generation of music. During its peak, Black Sabbath sold over 75 million records worldwide, with Osbourne’s dynamic presence as frontman earning him the title “Prince of Darkness.”
Osbourne’s influence extended beyond the band; his solo career gained him further recognition, and he became a television icon in the 2000s with the reality show “The Osbournes,” alongside his family. The final Black Sabbath concert united 42,000 fans in Birmingham, where Osbourne performed one last time, enthroned on stage during a powerful farewell to loyal supporters. Despite recent health challenges, including a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2019, Osbourne’s spirit and legacy continue to resonate with music lovers around the world.