A Celebration of a Legend
Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath, has left an indelible mark on the world of music and the hearts of fans. In Birmingham, where his journey began, fans have come together to honor the heavy metal legend who was more than just a musician—he was a family member to many.
The city is preparing for a special tribute as a cortege, accompanied by the Osbourne family, will make its way through the streets. One of the stops will be at the Black Sabbath bench, where thousands of tributes, balloons, and flowers have been left in memory of the late star. This location holds deep significance for fans, symbolizing the connection between the artist and his admirers.
Ozzy passed away at the age of 76 last Tuesday, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. His farewell gig in Birmingham earlier this month marked the end of an era, and now, the city is coming together to say goodbye in a dignified manner.
A Deep Connection with Fans
For many, Ozzy was more than just a musician; he was a voice that resonated with their struggles and triumphs. Goose, a devoted fan, shared how discovering heavy metal as a teenager changed their life. “That’s when I found, like millions of people around the world, that there was music that was for us, something that understood us,” they said. “We knew that there was somebody out there that felt the way that we did, and it was a constant presence. Ozzy helped give that to the world.”
Evie Mayo, from Wolverhampton, echoed similar sentiments. She expressed how Ozzy inspired her and everyone in Birmingham. “I think he was so influential, he was such an inspirational person. I think he really impacted everyone here, especially in Birmingham as well.” Evie added that she is learning guitar to play some of his songs, showing how deeply his music has influenced her.
A City Honoring Its Son
As the cortege makes its way down Broad Street to the Black Sabbath Bridge, fans are gathering to pay their respects. The event, scheduled for Wednesday, will see the hearse passing by significant landmarks in the city. Fans have left heartfelt messages and floral tributes around the city, including at the Black Sabbath mural on Navigation Street, which honors the heavy metal star born in the Aston area of Birmingham.
In addition to the public tributes, members of the public have signed a book of condolence opened by the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. The museum is currently hosting an exhibition titled Ozzy Osbourne (1948-2025): Working Class Hero, celebrating his life and impact.
Birmingham City Council worked closely with the Osbourne family to organize the procession, with the family funding all associated costs. The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Zafar Iqbal, emphasized the importance of honoring Ozzy as a son of the city. “Ozzy was more than a music legend, he was a son of Birmingham,” he said. “Having recently been awarded the freedom of the city and following his celebrated appearance at the Back To The Beginning concert at Villa Park earlier this month, it was important to the city that we support a fitting, dignified tribute ahead of a private family funeral.”
A Legacy That Lives On
Broad Street will be closed to through traffic during the event, with buses and trams diverted. The road will reopen once the tribute concludes. This gesture reflects the city's deep respect for Ozzy and his contributions.
Ozzy and his Black Sabbath bandmates—Terence “Geezer” Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward—were recently given the freedom of the city of Birmingham, recognizing their exceptional service to the city. The group, formed in 1968, is widely credited with defining and popularizing the sound of heavy metal.
Ozzy’s influence extended beyond music. He gained a new legion of fans through the noughties reality TV series The Osbournes, where he appeared alongside his wife Sharon and two youngest children, Kelly and Jack. Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, he continued to perform, delivering his final gig on July 5 in a concert that featured performances from other heavy metal legends like Anthrax, Metallica, and Guns N’ Roses.
As the city of Birmingham prepares to bid farewell to one of its most iconic figures, the tributes and memories reflect the lasting impact of a man who touched the lives of countless people around the world.
