The musical legacy of Ozzy Osbourne, hailed as a pivotal figure in heavy metal, was celebrated in an emotional funeral procession through Birmingham on July 30, 2025. As the hearse traversed the city where the Black Sabbath frontman was born and the band was founded in 1968, thousands of fans gathered to pay their respects. The mourners included a diverse crowd spanning generations, demonstrating the profound impact Osbourne had on the music world and beyond.
Cheering "Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy, oi, oi, oi," fans welcomed the procession, which featured six vehicles carrying the Osbourne family, including his wife Sharon, who showed visible emotion. Long-time fan Antony Hunt noted the day was filled with emotion, and he was touched to see fans from various age groups coming together to honour Osbourne.
Birmingham’s local officials acknowledged Osbourne as “more than a music legend” but as a son of the city, highlighting his entrenched connection to the place that shaped him. The city’s embrace of its heavy metal heritage was evident, with fans making pilgrimages to significant locations since the news of his passing. Osbourne was granted the Freedom of the City honour alongside his Black Sabbath bandmates, celebrating their contributions to Birmingham’s culture.
The funeral underscored Osbourne’s influence in defining and popularising heavy metal, a genre rooted in the industrial fabric of Birmingham. His rise from working-class origins to becoming a global music icon is marked by his distinctive Brummie accent and charismatic stage presence. Black Sabbath’s debut album in 1970 set the stage for immense success, followed by a string of influential albums throughout the 1970s.
Osbourne’s antics, often fuelled by his tumultuous lifestyle, earned him a reputation as the "Prince of Darkness," further enhancing his mystique in the rock realm. His later years brought new fans through the reality show The Osbournes, which portrayed moments from his life alongside his family.
The procession, filled with emotion and a sense of unity among fans, reflected Osbourne’s significant legacy and his status as a cultural icon. As the funeral cortege moved through Birmingham, it served not only as a farewell to a music legend but also as a celebration of a life deeply intertwined with the city and the genre he helped to create.