On July 22, 2025, the world lost Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath, at the age of 76. On a somber yet celebratory day in Birmingham, UK, thousands of fans flooded the streets to bid farewell to the “Prince of Darkness” during a poignant public procession. Led by his wife, Sharon Osbourne, and their children, the event was a testament to Ozzy’s enduring legacy as a son of Birmingham and a global rock icon. A tearful moment at the Black Sabbath Bridge, coupled with a vibrant tribute from local musicians, captured the city’s love for its hero, while a private service loomed, promising an intimate farewell with music’s biggest names.

A City’s Tribute to Its Son

The streets of Birmingham, where Ozzy was born and raised, became a sea of black t-shirts and bat-themed memorabilia as fans gathered to honor their hero. The funeral procession, held on July 28, 2025, began with a hearse winding down Broad Street, pausing at the Black Sabbath Bridge—a landmark renamed in 2019 to celebrate the band’s legacy. Fans of all ages lined the route, holding signs reading “Ozzy Forever” and waving banners adorned with lyrics from “Paranoid” and “Iron Man.” Many wore classic Black Sabbath shirts or bat-inspired outfits, a nod to Ozzy’s infamous 1982 bat-biting incident.

Local brass band Bostin’ Brass led the procession, their soulful rendition of “War Pigs” echoing through the city, grounding the tribute in Birmingham’s working-class roots. Floral arrangements spelling “OZZY” flanked the hearse, and the crowd’s chants of his name blended with applause and tears. The scene was both a celebration of Ozzy’s six-decade career and a collective mourning of a man who gave voice to the marginalized.

Sharon’s Emotional Farewell

Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife of over 40 years, stood at the heart of the procession, joined by their children—Jack (39), Kelly (40), Aimee (41), and Ozzy’s son Louis (50) from his first marriage. Clutching pink and purple flowers wrapped in black paper, Sharon paused at the Black Sabbath memorial bench, a site etched with the band’s history. Overcome with grief, she broke down, supported by Kelly and Jack as fans shouted, “We love you, Sharon!” Reading messages from fans, she waved a peace sign, her hands trembling but resolute.

In a poignant Instagram post days earlier, Sharon wrote, “To the world, he was the Prince of Darkness, but to me, he was my Terry—my love, my heart, my partner.” Her words captured the duality of Ozzy’s life: a larger-than-life rock star and a devoted husband and father. The crowd’s empathy was palpable, with one fan telling The Guardian, “Sharon’s strength is unreal. She’s carrying Ozzy’s legacy for all of us.”

A Community United

Birmingham’s Lord Mayor, Zafar Iqbal, joined the procession, delivering a moving tribute: “Ozzy was Birmingham’s son, a voice for the voiceless. We honor him as one of our greatest.” Fans shared personal stories, from teenagers inspired by Ozzy’s raw energy to older devotees who saw Black Sabbath’s early gigs in local pubs. A 50-year-old fan told BBC News, “Ozzy’s music got me through my darkest days. He was like a brother, even from afar.”

The procession was a vivid reflection of Ozzy’s roots. Born in Aston, Birmingham, in 1948, he rose from a factory worker’s life to global stardom, co-founding Black Sabbath and defining heavy metal. His journey, marked by hits like “Crazy Train” and reality TV fame on The Osbournes, resonated with fans who saw him as both rebellious and relatable.

The Private Service and Star-Studded Guests

Following the public farewell, a private service was planned for July 29, 2025, in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, where Ozzy and Sharon had lived. Expected attendees included Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, alongside Metallica’s James Hetfield, Sir Elton John, and Yungblud, who was set to deliver a reading. The guest list, blending rock royalty and close friends, underscored Ozzy’s far-reaching influence. Messages of condolence from Rod Stewart, Noel Gallagher, and others flooded social media, with Elton John posting on X, “Ozzy was a force of nature. His music will live forever.”

The private service will likely feature tributes to Ozzy’s later years, marked by health struggles including a 2019 spinal injury and a 2020 Parkinson’s diagnosis. A forthcoming Paramount+ documentary, No Escape From Now, chronicling these years, promises to offer an intimate look at his resilience and family life.

Challenges and Controversies

Organizing the procession was no small feat. Birmingham officials coordinated with Sharon’s team to manage thousands of mourners, ensuring safety along the crowded route. Security concerns, heightened by Ozzy’s global fame, required discreet measures to protect the family. Some fans on X criticized the lack of a larger public memorial, with one posting, “Ozzy deserved a stadium send-off.” Others defended the intimate approach, noting Sharon’s need for privacy amid her grief.

Ozzy’s passing also reignited debates about his health struggles, with some fans linking his decline to the physical toll of his career. Posts on X speculated about the impact of his 2019 accident, with one user writing, “Ozzy fought so hard, but his body couldn’t keep up.” The procession, however, focused on celebration, sidestepping these discussions to honor his legacy.

A Legacy That Endures

Ozzy Osbourne’s influence transcends music. From pioneering heavy metal with Black Sabbath to captivating audiences on The Osbournes, he embodied raw authenticity, resilience, and love for his family. His later years, though fraught with health challenges, showcased his unyielding spirit, performing until 2023 despite mobility issues. The Birmingham procession was a fitting tribute to a man who turned a working-class upbringing into a global legacy.

As fans chanted his name at the Black Sabbath Bridge, they celebrated not just a rock icon but a symbol of defiance and heart. Sharon’s tearful wave and the brass band’s mournful notes captured a city’s love for its son. With No Escape From Now set to premiere, Ozzy’s story will continue to inspire, reminding the world that the Prince of Darkness was, above all, a man who lived fiercely and loved deeply.