**Ozzy Osbourne’s Funeral Procession: Birmingham Bids Farewell to Heavy Metal Icon**
Birmingham is preparing to say a poignant goodbye today to one of its most influential figures, Ozzy Osbourne. The legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, whose thunderous vocals helped turn the city into a crucible for global heavy metal, will be honoured in a public procession this afternoon. Osbourne’s death last Tuesday at the age of 76 marked the end of an era, and his devoted fans are gathering to pay their last respects.
The arrangements for Osbourne’s final journey have seen public spaces in Birmingham transformed by an outpouring of emotion. Broad Street, a route synonymous with music history, will be closed from 7am as floral tributes and heartfelt notes begin to accumulate at landmarks such as the Black Sabbath bench and mural. The hearse is scheduled to make its way along this significant stretch from 1pm, pausing at the Black Sabbath Bridge—now a site of collective remembrance for the star born in nearby Aston.
Members of Osbourne’s family will be present to witness the cortege, which will be accompanied by the stirring sounds of a live brass band, adding a fittingly grand dimension to the occasion. In recent days, fans have visited the Black Sabbath mural on Navigation Street to leave tokens of appreciation, sign a book of condolences, and reflect on Osbourne’s enduring legacy, both as a musician and as a native son of Birmingham.
The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery has played a central role in the city’s tributes, hosting an exhibition entitled *Ozzy Osbourne (1948-2025): Working Class Hero*. The display highlights his journey from working-class roots to stardom, underscoring the impact he had far beyond the concert stage. Meanwhile, civic authorities and the Osbourne family have worked closely together to ensure that the procession is both respectful and accessible, with the costs entirely covered by the family.
Zafar Iqbal, Lord Mayor of Birmingham, encapsulated the city’s sentiments by describing Osbourne as “more than a music legend – he was a son of Birmingham.” He added that the city had a responsibility to provide a tribute worthy of Osbourne’s stature, particularly in light of his recent receipt of the city’s Freedom honour. “We know how much this moment will mean to his fans. We’re proud to host it here with his loving family in the place where it all began,” the mayor reflected.
Public transportation services, including buses and trams, will be subject to diversions while Broad Street remains closed for the day’s events. City officials have asked for the public’s patience, noting the importance of paying homage to an individual who contributed so much to Birmingham’s cultural identity.
Osbourne’s influence on music and popular culture spans decades. With Tony Iommi, Terence “Geezer” Butler, and Bill Ward, he formed Black Sabbath in 1968. Their pioneering sound not only defined heavy metal but also put Birmingham on the global music map. Osbourne later enjoyed a successful solo career and, in the 2000s, reached a new television audience through the reality show *The Osbournes*, in which he appeared with his wife Sharon and two youngest children, Kelly and Jack.
The music legend’s death came just weeks after his swansong performance at Villa Park, where he took the stage alongside other iconic acts like Anthrax, Metallica and Guns N’ Roses. The concert brought fans together for one last shared celebration of his remarkable life and career.
Osbourne’s passing has left an unmistakable void in the music world, but today’s public tribute offers fans the opportunity to express their gratitude and say farewell in the city where his journey began. As Birmingham pauses to reflect, Ozzy’s powerful legacy looks set to resonate for generations yet to come.