Fans Bid Final Farewell to Ozzy Osbourne in Birmingham

Ozzy Osbourne funeral procession

On July 30, 2025, Birmingham hosted a public farewell for Ozzy Osbourne, with his hearse traveling from Broad Street to the Black Sabbath Bridge, a site transformed into a memorial with flowers, beer, and tributes. The procession, accompanied by Bostin’ Brass and the Osbourne family, drew thousands, with barriers lifted post-event as fans surged to the bridge, per Newsweek. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery opened a condolence book alongside the Ozzy Osbourne Working Class Hero exhibition, while Ali Zaman, living in Osbourne’s childhood home, collected fan messages for a dedicated website.

The event was a communal outpouring, with fans like Olly Overton describing Osbourne as “the humblest person ever,” per The New York Times. Drake’s appearance, pouring tequila at the bench, highlighted Osbourne’s cross-genre influence. Birmingham’s Lord Mayor emphasized the city’s duty to honor its “son,” with the council and family ensuring a “dignified tribute.”

Osbourne’s final show on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park, titled “Back to the Beginning,” was a historic reunion of Black Sabbath’s original lineup. Performing from a throne due to Parkinson’s-related mobility issues, Osbourne delivered a set including “Mama, I’m Coming Home” and “Paranoid,” supported by Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Yungblud. The emotional night, which raised £190 million for charity, saw Osbourne tearfully address 40,000 fans, saying, “It’s the last song ever. Your support has enabled us to live an amazing lifestyle.” The event, streamed to millions, was described by David Ellefson as the “Live Aid of heavy metal.”

Osbourne’s journey from Aston’s working-class streets to global stardom shaped heavy metal. Black Sabbath, formed in 1968, introduced a dark, heavy sound that inspired countless bands. His solo career and The Osbournes TV show broadened his appeal, while his openness about struggles substance abuse, a 2019 fall, and Parkinson’s humanized him. Tributes from peers like Aerosmith and Slash underscored his role as a “pillar of rock n roll,” while fans credited him for building a “community of misfits.”

Controversies:

• Memorial Format: Sharon’s reported frailty and preference for a private burial contrast with calls for a large public event, as noted by MailOnline. Some fans on X, like @PlanetRockRadio, argue for a grand celebration, citing Osbourne’s public persona.

• Health Disclosure: David Ellefson revealed Osbourne’s grave condition was known to those at the concert, sparking debate on X about whether fans were fully informed, as seen in @IAPonomarenko’s post.

• Legacy Debates: The airport renaming petition reflects fan passion but faces opposition from those who feel landmarks like the Black Sabbath Bridge suffice, per BBC.

The funeral procession in Birmingham was a fitting tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, the heavy metal pioneer who died on July 22, 2025. Following his emotional final performance, fans and family celebrated his legacy as a Brummie hero who shaped music and culture. While debates over memorial formats and health transparency persist, Osbourne’s impact endures through landmarks, a forthcoming concert film, and the global heavy metal community he inspired.