BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – Thousands of fans gathered in Birmingham to pay tribute to heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne ahead of his funeral service.
The funeral cortege, featuring Osbourne’s hearse, made its way down Broad Street and briefly stopped outside the Black Sabbath bench on the street’s canal bridge, accompanied by family members and a live brass band.
Ozzy’s wife, Sharon Osbourne, was visibly shaken and stood beside their children, Jack and Kelly, as they said their final goodbyes to the musician who passed away on July 22 at the age of 76.
Fans Pay Respects Thousands of fans have paid their respects to the musician, instrumental in pioneering heavy metal, leaving heartfelt messages and floral tributes at the bridge.
“Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy, oi, oi, oi,” fans screamed as the hearse arrived.
Zafar Iqbal, the lord mayor of Birmingham, said, “Ozzy was more than a music legend – he was a son of Birmingham.
It was important to the city that we support a fitting, dignified tribute ahead of a private family funeral.
We know how much this moment will mean to his fans.”
Fans shared their thoughts about Ozzy’s impact on music and Birmingham as a city.
“I think he really impacted everyone here, especially in Birmingham as well,” said fan Evie Mayo.
“Now that he’s not here anymore, you can feel the impact of it.
He inspired a lot of people and he was a great person.”
Private Funeral Service A private funeral service will be held after the public procession, where Osbourne will be laid to rest.
Broad Street is closed to through traffic and will only reopen after the funeral ends.
Buses and trams have been diverted.
Black Sabbath, formed in Birmingham in 1968, saw huge commercial success in the 70s and 80s, selling more than 75 million albums worldwide.
The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.