Eight days after his passing, legendary Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne will make his final journey through his beloved home city of Birmingham. Fans, friends, and family will gather to pay tribute to the man who helped define heavy metal and proudly represented Birmingham throughout his career.
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The Final Journey of a Heavy Metal Legend
On Wednesday, Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral cortege will pass through Birmingham. The hearse will begin its route on Broad Street at around 1:00 PM BST, allowing thousands of fans to say their goodbyes.
The event, funded by Osbourne’s family, marks an opportunity for the city to honor one of its most iconic figures. Birmingham’s Lord Mayor, Zafar Iqbal, described the occasion as a chance for the city to salute “one of its greatest legends.”
Floral Tributes at the Black Sabbath Bridge
Over the past week, Black Sabbath Bridge has become the heart of public mourning. The memorial bench dedicated to the band has been covered with flowers, handwritten notes, and photographs from fans around the globe.
Visitors have traveled from as far as Mexico and the USA, highlighting Osbourne’s worldwide influence and the deep bond between the musician and his fans.
Music and Memories Along Broad Street
The cortege will be accompanied by live performances from the Bostin’ Brass Band and other Birmingham-based musicians, providing a moving tribute through jazz, funk, and soul.
In addition, the tram named after Ozzy Osbourne, unveiled in 2016, will be stationed outside Birmingham Library, symbolizing the city’s enduring pride in its heavy metal hero.
Road Closures and How to Watch the Procession
- Broad Street will be closed to through traffic from 7:00 AM until the conclusion of the procession.
- Buses and trams will be diverted, with stewards on hand to guide attendees.
- Locals are advised to arrive early and use public transport.
- Those unable to attend in person can watch via the live stream of the Black Sabbath Bench, ensuring fans worldwide can participate in the farewell.
Birmingham’s Pride in Ozzy Osbourne
For many Brummies, the farewell procession is more than an event—it’s a reflection of shared identity.
Local resident Rachel Tomlinson said:
“He was always proud to be a Brummie. He makes me proud to be a Brummie. It will be good to have him back one last time.”
Similarly, Luisa Huggins of the Westside Business Improvement District noted the strong community spirit around the Black Sabbath Bench:
“He was so proud to be from Birmingham, and I think as fellow Brummies we were really proud to have him as one of our own as well.”
Conclusion: A City Says Goodbye to Its Prince of Darkness
As Birmingham gathers to honor Ozzy Osbourne, the procession stands as both a farewell and a celebration of his legacy. The Prince of Darkness not only shaped the global heavy metal genre but also carried the pride of Birmingham to the world stage.
This final journey ensures that his hometown will always remember him—not just as a rock icon, but as a true Brummie whose music and spirit will live on forever.