Ozzy Osbourne made his last journey through Birmingham on Wednesday, as thousands of fans paid heartfelt tribute to the city’s iconic “Prince of Darkness.” The Black Sabbath frontman’s hearse passed through the city center, followed closely by his wife Sharon and their children, all visibly emotional.
Osbourne, who died last Tuesday at age 76, was honored along Broad Street, one of Birmingham’s main roads, with his procession stopping by the Black Sabbath bench on the canal bridge—a memorial installed in 2019. Fans chanted in unison, “Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy, oi, oi, oi,” celebrating their beloved rock star.
The funeral procession included six vehicles carrying Osbourne’s family, escorted by police motorcycles and a car. Sharon Osbourne and the family briefly stopped to view the many tributes left by admirers, with Sharon wiping away tears.
Though the hearse moved on to a private funeral, the city buzzed with energy, pulsating to the heavy metal rhythms Black Sabbath helped pioneer. Birmingham, Osbourne’s hometown, proudly claims its status as the birthplace of heavy metal—a legacy forged by the band when it formed there in 1968.
Fans of all ages gathered to honor Osbourne’s memory. Antony Hunt, a longtime supporter, described the day as deeply emotional, noting the diverse crowd from children to seniors united in respect.
Katie Brazier, who leads events for Birmingham City Council, reflected on Osbourne’s deep connection to the city. “He never forgot where he came from,” she said, highlighting how his distinctive Brummie accent remained a constant throughout his life and career. For many, this authenticity made him a true local hero.
Recently, Osbourne and his Black Sabbath bandmates—Terence Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward—were granted the Freedom of the City, recognizing their immense contribution to Birmingham’s cultural identity.
The band’s origins trace back to their shared desire to escape factory work, channeling the grit of their working-class upbringing into a revolutionary new sound. Black Sabbath’s music, known for its heavy riffs and dark themes, shaped the heavy metal genre and went on to achieve worldwide acclaim, selling over 75 million albums.
Osbourne fronted Black Sabbath during its most influential period in the 1970s, gaining notoriety for his wild stage presence and off-stage antics fueled by substance abuse. His nickname, “Prince of Darkness,” became legendary.
The band’s self-titled debut album in 1970 cracked the UK Top 10, followed by classics like Master of Reality and Vol. 4. Their impact on music remains unparalleled.
In a poignant final chapter, Black Sabbath played their farewell concert on July 5 at Villa Park, Aston Villa’s home stadium, drawing 42,000 fans. Osbourne, though in declining health after his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2019, took the stage seated on a black throne—a fitting symbol of his status.
Outside of Black Sabbath, Osbourne found solo success and reached new audiences through the early 2000s reality show The Osbournes, which featured his family and introduced him to a generation unfamiliar with his music.
Birmingham bid farewell to one of its most treasured sons, celebrating a life that transformed both the city and the global music scene forever.
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