Thousands Line Streets for Ozzy Osbourne Farewell: Fans Mourn a Legend at Black Sabbath Bench

A sea of mourners turned out in Birmingham on Wednesday, 30 July, as Ozzy Osbourne's funeral procession wound through his hometown. The hearse passed iconic landmarks such as the Black Sabbath bridge and bench, now strewn with flowers and tributes.

Fans cheered, sang Iron Man and laid floral gestures, while his widow Sharon and children Kelly, Jack and Aimee followed closely. It was a powerful, communal farewell to Birmingham's beloved rock legend.

Thousands of fans filled Broad Street and surrounding avenues to honour Ozzy Osbourne, who died aged 76 on 22 July, at his home surrounded by family.

After starting at Broad Street, the procession paused at the Black Sabbath Bridge and adjacent bench, two memorial sites already bedecked in flowers from fans and locals.

During the tribute, Bostin' Brass played Iron Man, with many in the crowd chanting 'Ozzy! Ozzy!' and displaying banners and signs in his memory.

Reports suggest some Black Sabbath band members and high-profile artists like Elton John and Yungblud paid their respects.

Earlier Memorials and Vigil Locations

Prior to the procession, fans gathered at Victoria Square and other local memorials, including murals and the famous bridge, playing Ozzy's music and leaving handwritten tributes. These locations transformed into impromptu shrines leading up to the funeral day.

Ozzy Osbourne performed his farewell concert, Back to the Beginning, at Villa Park in Birmingham on 5 July, just 17 days before his death. The event drew over 40,000 fans and millions more via livestream, marking a poignant close to his legendary career.

Born in 1948 in Marston Green, Ozzy built a career as the pioneering frontman of Black Sabbath and later as a successful solo artist and reality TV personality. Known as the 'Prince of Darkness,' he remained a beloved figure in Birmingham and around the world. Early in 2025, he and his Black Sabbath bandmates were awarded the Freedom of the City by Birmingham Council.

Community Mourns a Son of Birmingham

City officials, including Councillor Ian Ward, honoured Osbourne as a proud Brummie and a global ambassador for Birmingham's working-class roots and rich musical heritage. Aston Villa Football Club and the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra held tributes and moments of silence in his name.

Why This Farewell Resonated

Ozzy Osbourne's public funeral procession highlighted how deeply he was embraced by his home city. His journey, from warehouse singer to global icon, was rooted in Birmingham's streets, its industrial grit and musical legacy. For fans of all ages, the procession felt like a collective farewell to someone who shaped both music and identity.

Today's procession offered a fitting tribute to a man whose life influenced generations. As Birmingham said goodbye, the city honoured not just a musician but a son of the soil whose legacy continues to echo on Broad Street and far beyond.