Thousands of fans, including devoted followers and fellow musicians, lined the streets of Birmingham, England, on Wednesday to honor the late rock legend Ozzy Osbourne. As the hearse carrying Osbourne’s body made its way through the city, the atmosphere was both solemn and celebratory. The procession passed by the Black Sabbath bridge and bench—both named in his honor—symbolizing the deep cultural impact he left behind.
Sharon Osbourne, along with their children Jack and Kelly, joined the tributes, walking hand in hand as they arrived at the event. They had previously shared their gratitude with the fans, expressing how much they were touched by the global outpouring of support. A source close to the family confirmed that the rock star’s intimate funeral, which would be a celebration of his life rather than a mournful event, was on the horizon. This private gathering would be attended by only his closest friends and family, with the intention of keeping the focus on the joy and legacy of his music.
Earlier in the year, Osbourne had already made a public statement about his wishes for his funeral. In a column published by The Times in 2011, he humorously described his ideal tribute, which included unconventional elements like a video of him asking for a second opinion on his diagnosis of death. His words reflected his philosophy on life: a celebration, not a mope-fest. The message was clear—that his funeral would be a chance for fans and loved ones to reflect on the positive aspects of his life, not dwell on the end.
The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal, addressed the importance of hosting the tribute in the city where Osbourne spent much of his life. He noted that it was a fitting tribute to a man who had recently been awarded the Freedom of the City. Iqbal expressed gratitude for the family’s generosity in allowing the city to host the event, which he believed was the right place for such a celebration. The opportunity to honor Osbourne in his hometown was a significant gesture, symbolizing the lasting bond between the rock star and the city that embraced him.
As the funeral approached, the Osbourne family focused on creating a meaningful tribute that honored their late loved one’s wish to celebrate rather than mourn. The message to fans was clear: they had been given a unique opportunity to say their final farewell in a way that was both personal and public. The event would be a testament to Osbourne’s life, the music he created, and the legacy he left behind for the world.