Ozzy Osbourne Funeral: Thousands Gather to Pay Tribute to Music Legend
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Thousands of emotional fans lined the streets of Ozzy Osbourne's home city of Birmingham in the United Kingdom on Wednesday to bid a tearful farewell to the Black Sabbath frontman at his funeral procession.
The iconic singer, who was known as the Prince of Darkness for his pivotal role in shaping the heavy metal music genre, died on July 22 at the age of 76, sparking an outpouring of grief worldwide.
Fans traveled from as far as the United States, Mexico and Poland to pay tribute to him at the funeral procession attended by friends and family. His wife, Sharon Osbourne, broke down in tears in front of floral tributes, as she was joined by their children Jack, Kelly and Aimee and Ozzy's son from his first marriage, Louis.
The procession, which was led by a live brass band playing versions of Black Sabbath songs, including "Iron Man," is set to be followed by a private funeral service for his family.
The Context
The funeral procession represented a significant moment for the global music community and a chance to pay tribute to the music pioneer who had legions of fans from across the generations.
Jack Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne arrive to view tributes to the late Ozzy Osbourne from fans as his funeral procession travels through his home city of Birmingham, England, on July 30, 2025.
Jack Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne arrive to view tributes to the late Ozzy Osbourne from fans as his funeral procession travels through his home city of Birmingham, England, on July 30, 2025.Fans gather Broad Street ahead of the funeral procession for Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, in Birmingham, England, on July 30, 2025.
Fans gather Broad Street ahead of the funeral procession for Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, in Birmingham, England, on July 30, 2025.
Jacob King/Jacob King/PA via AP
Jack Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne visit the Black Sabbath Bridge bench on Broad Street in memory of Ozzy Osbourne ahead of the funeral procession, in Birmingham, England, on July 30, 2025.
Jack Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne visit the Black Sabbath Bridge bench on Broad Street in memory of Ozzy Osbourne ahead of the funeral procession, in Birmingham, England, on July 30, 2025.
Jacob King/Jacob King/PA via AP
Osbourne's death came less than three weeks after a historic Black Sabbath reunion concert in the city where he was born that drew tens of thousands of fans. The occasion also saw him awarded the Freedom of the City, a ceremonial honor in the U.K. bestowed upon a celebrated person with ties to a community.
The Osbourne family has not publicly revealed the singer's cause of death, but he had been living with Parkinson's disease and faced several health challenges in recent years, including complications from a fall in 2019.
What To Know
The funeral procession began at 1 p.m. local time as a hearse carrying Osbourne's body traveled through Broad Street in Birmingham. The procession stopped at the Black Sabbath Bridge and bench, now a shrine covered in flowers and handwritten tributes, before proceeding to a private family funeral.
This public event offered fans from across the globe a chance to say goodbye to the legendary artist in his birthplace.
The ceremony featured a live performance from local brass ensemble Boston Brass, fulfilling Osbourne's previously stated wish for his funeral to be a "celebration, not a mope-fest."
Fans gathered in Black Sabbath merchandise and Aston Villa jerseys, chanting "Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy" to commemorate the singer's vibrant personality and legendary musical legacy.
Those unable to attend in person were invited to view a livestream, while the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery offered a book of condolence and an Osbourne exhibition.
Birmingham Lord Mayor Zafar Iqbal views tributes to Ozzy Osbourne prior to the singer's funeral procession on July 30, 2025.
Birmingham Lord Mayor Zafar Iqbal views tributes to Ozzy Osbourne prior to the singer's funeral procession on July 30, 2025.What People Are Saying
Ozzy Osbourne's family, in a statement announcing his death: "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time."
Lord Mayor of Birmingham Zafar Iqbal said: "Ozzy was more than a music legend—he was a son of Birmingham. It was important to the city that we support a fitting, dignified tribute ahead of a private family funeral."
During his farewell concert on July 5, Osbourne told over 40,000 fans: "You've no idea how I feel—thank you from the bottom of my heart."
What Happens Next
The funeral procession marked the conclusion of public mourning before the Osbourne family paid their respects in private. Memorials, including the Black Sabbath bench and the ongoing exhibition at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, continue to draw visitors.
A public petition to rename Birmingham Airport as "Ozzy Osbourne International" has gained significant support, with over 46,000 signatures as of Wednesday. The airport said it will consider appropriate ways to commemorate Osbourne's legacy.
This article contains reporting by the Associated Press.
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