On Tuesday, July 30, the city of Birmingham came to a standstill as thousands of fans lined the streets to pay their final respects to Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, who passed away on July 22 at the age of 76. The city where his journey began honored its most iconic cultural figure with a moving public procession, culminating at the Black Sabbath Bridge and commemorative bench — now blanketed in flowers, notes, candles, and mementos left by grieving fans.
At exactly 1:00 PM, a funeral cortege carrying Osbourne‘s body and his family made its way slowly down Broad Street, accompanied by a stirring live performance from local brass ensemble Bostin’ Brass. Their solemn yet celebratory music provided a fitting soundtrack for the occasion — an atmosphere that balanced grief with gratitude, reflecting both the somber weight of the moment and the larger-than-life spirit that defined Ozzy Osbourne‘s career.
While the family’s private funeral had already taken place earlier that morning, this public event gave fans, friends, and fellow citizens the chance to say goodbye on their own terms. The turnout was extraordinary. Broad Street was filled shoulder-to-shoulder with mourners — some in tears, some in vintage Sabbath shirts, many quietly singing or simply watching as the hearse passed.
The Black Sabbath Bench, which has become an impromptu memorial since Osbourne‘s passing, was the final stop for the cortege. Over the last week, the site has drawn thousands from across the UK and beyond, becoming a place of reflection, storytelling, and celebration for fans of all ages. A livestream of the bench — still ongoing — has allowed global fans to be part of the experience from afar.
“Ozzy was more than a music legend — he was a son of Birmingham,” said Lord Mayor Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, JP. “Having recently been awarded the Freedom of the City and following his celebrated appearance at the Back to the Beginning concert at Villa Park earlier this month, it was important to the city that we support a fitting, dignified tribute. We’re proud to host it here with his loving family in the place where it all began.”
That Freedom of the City, awarded to Ozzy Osbourne and his fellow Black Sabbath bandmates on June 28, symbolized Birmingham’s lasting pride in the group’s global influence — a contribution that extended far beyond music, defining an entire genre and putting Birmingham firmly on the cultural map.
The Osbourne family personally funded the entire public event, coordinating closely with Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Metro, West Midlands Police, and local businesses to ensure the day was safe, respectful, and accessible. Despite extensive road closures and transportation adjustments, the city worked seamlessly to support the enormous turnout.
For those unable to attend, the livestream of the Black Sabbath Bench continues to run online, capturing the evolving memorial and allowing the world to take part in Birmingham’s tribute.
As the city lights dimmed that evening, the farewell to Ozzy Osbourne left an indelible mark not just on the fans who witnessed it — but on Birmingham itself. A city forged in steel and sound, Birmingham said goodbye to one of its own with open arms and heavy hearts.
Ozzy Osbourne wasn’t just the Prince of Darkness. He was the soul of a city, and that city has now given him the farewell he so deeply earned.
Rest in peace, Ozzy Osbourne. Birmingham will never forget you.
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