Fans say their final farewells to the Prince of Darkness. Credit to Leon Neal/Getty Images.
Los Angeles, California (July 30, 2025)- In a poignant and powerful display of devotion, the city of Birmingham, England, united on Wednesday, July 30, to bid a heartfelt farewell to its beloved son, Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary “Prince of Darkness.” The streets of his hometown transformed into a sea of black-clad fans, a testament to the profound impact the rock icon had on millions worldwide, as they gathered for a final, collective goodbye before he is laid to rest. The outpouring of grief and gratitude was palpable, a fitting tribute to a man who transcended music to become a cultural phenomenon.
Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic Black Sabbath singer, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, at the age of 76, just weeks after his final electrifying live performance at the all-star charity concert, “Back to the Beginning.” Born and raised in the Aston area of Birmingham, Osbourne’s roots in the Midlands city ran deep. It was here, in 1968, that the metal titans Black Sabbath—comprised of guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward—first formed. Their inaugural live show in the city took place at The Crown, a venue famously dubbed the “birthplace of heavy metal,” situated on the corner of Station Street and Hill Street. This deep connection to his origins was powerfully evident in his final performance, which took place at soccer team Aston Villa F.C.’s home stadium, Villa Park, solidifying his enduring bond with his city.
Broad Street, a vibrant artery of Birmingham, became the epicenter of this emotional pilgrimage. Hours before the procession was set to begin, devoted Osbourne supporters began to flood the thoroughfare, some arriving in the wee hours of the morning to secure prime viewing spots. The air was thick with anticipation, respect, and a shared sense of loss, as fans from all walks of life, united by their admiration for Ozzy, prepared to honor his memory. Packed in behind barricades and even hanging out of windows, many chanted “Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy, oi, oi, oi!” as they waited for the procession to begin, their voices a collective roar of love and devotion.
The procession itself was a deeply moving spectacle, a final journey through the streets that shaped the man. A hearse carrying Osbourne’s body left Villa Park and made its way through the city center. Adorning his coffin was a striking purple floral tribute simply reading “Ozzy,” while a purple flower crucifix sat atop the hearse, a solemn yet vibrant symbol of his unique persona. The cortège traveled down Broad Street and passed over the Black Sabbath Bridge, a landmark first opened in 2019, where a number of fans had already left a growing collection of flowers and heartfelt tributes to the late singer.
Amidst the solemn yet celebratory atmosphere, the Osbourne family emerged, visibly moved by the immense show of support. Sharon Osbourne, accompanied by her children Aimeé, Kelly, and Jack, alongside other family members, stopped to view the tributes on the Black Sabbath Bridge and laid flowers of their own. A visibly emotional Sharon threw up a peace symbol to the crowd, a gesture of profound gratitude to the thousands of fans who attended, many of whom responded with shouts of “Sharon, we love you!” This touching moment underscored the raw grief of a family sharing their private sorrow with a global audience, while also acknowledging the immense love from the community.
Adding a unique and profoundly local touch to the occasion, Ozzy’s cortège was led by the local group Bostin’ Brass. They performed a number of jazzy instrumental versions of Black Sabbath and solo classics, including “Iron Man” and “Crazy Train,” as the hearse made its way down Broad Street, with fans spontaneously providing their own vocals. This lively musical tribute perfectly honored Ozzy’s own wishes; speaking in 2011, he had famously stated that he wanted his funeral to be “a celebration, not a mope-fest.” True to his spirit, fans applauded the hearse as it passed and chanted “Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy!” in celebration, transforming a moment of sorrow into a vibrant testament to his life. He will later be laid to rest in a private ceremony in the city.
The global reach of his impact was evident as the entire procession was live-streamed, allowing fans from across the globe to witness the event. The cortège itself was paid for by Osbourne’s family, a final act of devotion. Lord Mayor of Birmingham Zafar Iqbal publicly thanked the family for their contribution to the event, telling the BBC that “[Ozzy] put Birmingham on the map. He put Aston on the map,” a sentiment that resonated deeply with the local community.
Ozzy’s final live performance on July 5 at the “Back to the Beginning” all-star concert reportedly raised over $190 million for charities, including vital local causes such as Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorns Children’s Hospice. At this momentous event, he performed nine songs: five from his illustrious solo career, and an additional four with the original Black Sabbath band members – marking the first time they had been on stage together since 2005. This final act of generosity and musical reunion underscored his enduring commitment to his craft and his community.
Following his passing, the enduring power of Ozzy Osbourne’s music has been reaffirmed, with both Black Sabbath and his solo material experiencing a significant surge on streaming platforms and the Billboard charts. Notably, “Crazy Train,” from his seminal 1980 album Blizzard of Ozz, recently hit the Hot 100 for the first time, landing at No. 46, a testament to his timeless appeal and the new wave of listeners discovering the Prince of Darkness.
As the procession concluded, the emotional outpouring from his hometown served as a powerful reminder of Ozzy Osbourne’s enduring legacy. He was more than just a musician; he was a cultural force, a symbol of resilience, and a true original. Birmingham’s final sendoff was not just a funeral; it was a communal celebration of a life lived loudly, authentically, and with an undeniable impact that will continue to resonate for generations to come. The Prince of Darkness may be laid to rest, but his spirit, forever intertwined with the heart of rock and roll, will undoubtedly continue to echo.
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