Tens of thousands of fans gathered on Wednesday in Birmingham, England, to bid a final farewell to Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary Black Sabbath frontman who passed away on July 22 at the age of 76, according to multiple reports including by variety.com and music-news.com. The city, which gave birth to both Osbourne and heavy metal, served as the backdrop for a funeral procession that was as touching as it was powerful.
The procession, a sea of black clothing and tearful faces, followed Osbourne’s hearse as it travelled along Broad Street. The cortege made a poignant stop at the Black Sabbath Bridge, a local landmark now covered in a vast sea of flowers, photos and heartfelt tributes. It was here that Osbourne’s widow, Sharon, and his children—Jack, Kelly, and Aimee—stepped out to face the overwhelming display of love for their husband and father. Visibly emotional and leaning on her children for support, Sharon Osbourne broke down in tears as she took in the scene. In a gesture that brought tears to the eyes of the onlookers, she and Aimee turned to the crowd and flashed Ozzy’s iconic peace sign.
The crowd, which had been chanting “Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy, oi, oi, oi!” and “Thank you, Ozzy,” cheered on the family in a moving display of shared grief and respect. A purple floral tribute spelling out “Ozzy” rested against his coffin, a simple yet powerful testament to the man known to the world as the Prince of Darkness.
Ozzy Osbourne’s death came just weeks after Black Sabbath’s final concert in the city, an event titled “Back to the Beginning.” Despite his health struggles, including Parkinson’s disease and previous spinal injuries, Osbourne had appeared in good spirits, performing from a seated position.
The family’s public tribute concluded with their return to the hearse, leaving the grieving city with a powerful memory of their public farewell. A private funeral service was to be held later for close family and friends, but for the fans in Birmingham, their public goodbye was the true final concert, a deafening chant of gratitude for a life that changed music forever.
•Featured image by Getty Images
