Heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne is returning to his roots for one final farewell. The body of the iconic musician, who passed away on July 22 at the age of 76, will travel through his hometown of Birmingham, England, on Wednesday, July 30. According to the BBC, fans will have the opportunity to say their goodbyes as the funeral cortege makes its way down Broad Street in the city center, beginning at 1 p.m. BST.
Honoring the Prince of Darkness
The hearse will then proceed to the famous Black Sabbath Bridge and bench, a landmark that has become a sacred site for Osbourne’s fans. Since his passing, thousands of flowers, letters, and tributes have been placed there. Dedicated in 2019, the bench pays tribute to the pioneering heavy metal band and features images of all four original members—Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, and Ozzy himself—alongside the band’s iconic logo and the slogan “Made in Birmingham.”
Birmingham Pays Its Respects
“We’re going to pay our last respects and homage to one of the greatest living legends of Birmingham,” said Zafar Iqbal, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham. He added, “He put Birmingham on the map. He put Aston on the map,” calling Osbourne a true “son of Birmingham.” The procession will be accompanied by the local brass band Bostin’ Brass, ensuring a heartfelt and memorable tribute.
A Public Farewell Before a Private Goodbye
The procession precedes a private funeral, giving Osbourne’s family the chance to witness the overwhelming outpouring of love from fans across the globe. Admirers have traveled from countries as far away as Mexico, Poland, and the United States. One particularly moving message from a Greek fan read: “To our king of metal, you were a light in the darkness, the most beautiful, humble, glorious madman. We were all so lucky. Thank you for the music. Without it, I’m not sure who I’d be.”
Fans Invited to Pay Tribute
In addition to the procession, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery has opened its doors for fans to sign a condolence book and visit the Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero exhibit, which was launched last month by Sharon Osbourne. The exhibit offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of the beloved musician.
The Legacy Lives On
Osbourne’s death comes just two weeks after his final performance at the massive Back to the Beginning concert in Birmingham on July 5. Seated on a black, bat-adorned throne due to ongoing health struggles, the Prince of Darkness gave fans one last unforgettable show.
Though he is gone, his legacy will live on through several posthumous projects. A concert documentary titled Back to the Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow is set to hit theaters in early 2026. Later this year, Paramount+ will release Ozzy Osbourne: No Escape From Now, a feature-length documentary chronicling his courageous six-year battle following a devastating fall in 2019 and his ongoing fight with Parkinson’s disease.
For fans around the world, the Details of Ozzy Osbourne’s Public Funeral Procession Unveiled mark not only a final farewell but also a reminder that the music and spirit of the Prince of Darkness will never fade.
