Thousands of fans gathered in the streets of Birmingham, UK, to say a final goodbye to Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, who passed away at the age of 76 on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
Leading the heartfelt farewell was Ozzy’s wife, Sharon Osbourne, who broke down in tears during the public procession. Surrounded by their children — Jack (39), Kelly (40), Aimee (41), and Ozzy’s son Louis (50) — Sharon read messages from fans and waved a peace sign to the emotional crowd.
A Public Farewell To The Prince Of Darkness
The funeral procession began with a hearse traveling down Broad Street, eventually stopping at the Black Sabbath Bridge — now a symbolic landmark for fans of heavy metal worldwide. From early morning, thousands of mourners lined the streets holding signs, banners, and Ozzy memorabilia.
Many wore bat-themed clothing and classic Black Sabbath shirts, paying tribute to the “Prince of Darkness” in style.
Local musicians from Bostin’ Brass led the procession with a live brass performance, honoring Ozzy’s Birmingham roots. Floral arrangements beside the casket spelled “OZZY,” while fans chanted his name through tears and applause.
Sharon Osbourne’s Emotional Moment
Carrying pink and purple flowers wrapped in black paper, Sharon, Jack, and Kelly paused at the Black Sabbath memorial bench. There, Sharon was visibly overcome with emotion while Kelly leaned on her brother for support. Fans shouted “We love you, Sharon!” as she approached the crowd.
In a previous statement posted on Instagram, Sharon wrote:
“This loss is sudden and impossible to process. To the world, he was a legend… but to me, he was my Terry. The man I loved. My partner. My heart.”
A City United In Tribute
Zafar Iqbal, Lord Mayor of Birmingham, was present at the procession and delivered a moving message:
“Ozzy was more than a music legend — he was a son of Birmingham. We are proud to host this tribute for one of our greatest icons.”
Fans of all ages shared stories of how Ozzy’s music had changed their lives. One longtime fan said, “Ozzy helped give a voice to people like me. He felt like family.”
What’s Next: Private Service and Celebrity Guests
While the public paid their respects in Birmingham, a private family service is scheduled for the following day in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire. Among those expected to attend are:
-
Yungblud (who will reportedly give a reading)
-
Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward (Black Sabbath)
-
Metallica’s James Hetfield
-
Sir Elton John
A Legacy That Transcends Music
Ozzy’s passing sparked a global outpouring of grief and remembrance. Messages came from Rod Stewart, Noel Gallagher, Elton John, and countless others. With a career spanning more than six decades, Ozzy’s journey from a working-class boy in Birmingham to global icon remains unparalleled.
From biting the head off a bat to becoming a household name through The Osbournes, Ozzy embodied the raw, unpredictable heart of rock and roll — but also showed deep emotion, resilience, and love for his family.
His later years were marked by health challenges, including a spinal injury and a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2020. A documentary titled “No Escape From Now”, chronicling Ozzy’s final years, is expected to premiere on Paramount+ later this year.
