Birmingham says goodbye to its Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne

Rock fans packed the streets of Birmingham on 30 July as the city bid farewell to one of its most iconic sons, Ozzy Osbourne, frontman of Black Sabbath and a defining figure in heavy metal history.

The 76-year-old "Prince of Darkness" died on 22 July, just 17 days after his final performance in front of a sold-out hometown crowd. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, Osbourne remained active on stage until the end.

The funeral procession rolled out of Aston, his childhood neighborhood, shortly after noon. Thousands of fans chanted his name, held flowers, and waved signs as his hearse made its way through the city, stopping at key landmarks including the Black Sabbath Bridge.

"Ozzy was more than a music legend, he was a son of Birmingham," said Lord Mayor Zafar Iqbal, who was present to offer support to the family and fans.

Musicians from local group Bostin’ Brass accompanied the cortege, playing live music as mourners followed behind. A special moment came when the procession paused at the Black Sabbath bench, where Osbourne's widow, Sharon, laid flowers and read through heartfelt fan tributes left on site.

For many in attendance, this was a deeply personal farewell. "It was overwhelming, very emotional," said Mhairi Larner, who traveled from Nottingham. "I've been a fan as long as I can remember, and I raised my son to do the same."

Sixteen-year-old Reece Sargeant, another fan, echoed the sentiment. "Ozzy and Black Sabbath really put Birmingham on the map," he said.

Osbourne’s outlandish legacy, from biting a bat on stage to surviving decades of rock excess, made him a cultural icon far beyond music. While his persona was larger than life, those close to him remembered his deep loyalty to Birmingham and its people.

The funeral ended with a private ceremony for family and close friends. As the city returns to its usual rhythm, tributes continue to pour in for a man who changed the sound of music and left behind a legacy that refuses to be silenced.