Sharon Osbourne and her children, Jack, Aimee, and Kelly were left in tears as they read fan tributes to Ozzy Osbourne during his funeral procession on Wednesday.
Massive crowds had assembled across Birmingham’s city centre as the funeral cortege for the rock legend travelled through his hometown.
The procession, which began at 1pm, saw the hearse journey along Broad Street towards the Black Sabbath Bridge, with Birmingham’s Bostin’ Brass providing musical accompaniment.
Supporters began gathering from the early morning hours, with some arriving as early as 7am when road closures commenced.
The hearse proceeded from Five Ways roundabout along the length of Broad Street, concluding at the Black Sabbath bench and bridge spanning the canal.
Birmingham City Council collaborated with the Osbourne family to arrange the event, with the family covering all expenses.
Lord Mayor Zafar Iqbal stated: “Ozzy was more than a music legend – he was a son of Birmingham.”
He emphasised the significance of providing a dignified tribute following Osbourne’s recent Freedom of the City award and his appearance at Villa Park earlier this month.
Public transport diversions remained in effect, with buses and trams rerouted until the procession concludes.
A host of music industry figures are anticipated at the private church service in Buckinghamshire. Sir Elton John, who described Osbourne as “one of the funniest people” he had ever met, hopes to attend alongside Black Sabbath members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward.
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Metallica’s James Hetfield is also expected, whilst rising artist Yungblud will deliver a reading during the service. Sharon and the couple’s children – Jack, Kelly and Aimee – along with Louis from Ozzy’s first marriage, will follow the hearse in vehicles.
The family expressed gratitude for messages received from both friends and fans worldwide.
The Birmingham-born musician died at his Buckinghamshire residence on July 22, merely 17 days following his farewell performance at Villa Park.
That concert reunited the original Black Sabbath lineup for the first time in two decades, featuring performances from Metallica, Guns N’ Roses and other metal acts.
Osbourne and his bandmates had recently received Birmingham’s Freedom of the City honour, recognising their exceptional contributions.
Since his passing, admirers have created makeshift memorials at the Black Sabbath mural on Navigation Street, leaving flowers, photographs and personal notes.
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery has opened a condolence book alongside their current exhibition titled “Ozzy Osbourne (1948-2025): Working Class Hero”.