BIRMINGHAM, UK — July 31, 2025: Tears, cheers, and chants filled the streets of Birmingham on Wednesday as thousands gathered to honor the life of one of rock music’s greatest pioneers — Ozzy Osbourne, the “Prince of Darkness.”
Osbourne, who died on July 22 at the age of 76 following a battle with Parkinson’s disease, was laid to rest in a city-wide procession that reflected not just his musical legacy but his deep connection to his roots.
Starting near his childhood home in Aston, the funeral procession moved slowly through Birmingham, greeted by crowds waving flags, holding posters, and chanting his name:
“Ozzy! Ozzy! Ozzy!”
A brass band from Bostin’ Brass accompanied the hearse — a black Jaguar adorned with flowers — while fans sang and mourned in unison.
“It was overwhelming and emotional,” said fan Mhairi Larner, who traveled from Nottingham with her son. “He was just nuts — in the best way.”
Another fan, Reece Sargeant, just 16, said it felt right to come:
“Ozzy and Black Sabbath really put Birmingham on the map.”
A Life in Song and Storm
The procession made a special stop at the Black Sabbath Bench, an art installation celebrating the band’s members. There, Sharon Osbourne and other family members laid flowers, read fan tributes, and took a moment to reflect before continuing toward a private service.
In a statement, Zafar Iqbal, Lord Mayor of Birmingham, said:
“Ozzy was more than a music legend — he was a son of Birmingham. We are proud to host this tribute where it all began.”
From his 1970 debut with Black Sabbath to solo stardom, Osbourne sold over 75 million albums, defined a genre, and earned a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — twice.
But he was also infamous for his wild performances — including the time he bit the head off a real bat in 1982, believing it was a toy. He also once faced arrest for a drunken altercation with Sharon, only to later reflect on it openly in interviews.
Despite these controversies, Osbourne always remained deeply loved — for his authenticity, his humor, and his music that gave a voice to millions who felt like outsiders.
A Celebration, Not a Mope-Fest
Ozzy had famously requested that his funeral be a celebration, not a “mope-fest.” Birmingham’s send-off honored that wish.
Fans old and new gathered in tribute — some draped in leather, some in tears, others playing Sabbath tunes on portable speakers.
In death, as in life, Ozzy Osbourne united generations through the power of music.
🖤 Rest in power, Prince of Darkness. You’ll never be forgotten.
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