On Tuesday, July 30, town of Birmingham got here to a standstill as 1000’s of followers lined the streets to pay their ultimate respects to Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, who handed away on July 22 on the age of 76. Town the place his journey started honored its most iconic cultural determine with a shifting public procession, culminating on the Black Sabbath Bridge and commemorative bench — now blanketed in flowers, notes, candles, and mementos left by grieving followers.
At precisely 1:00 PM, a funeral cortege carrying Osbourne‘s physique and his household made its approach slowly down Broad Road, accompanied by a stirring reside efficiency from native brass ensemble Bostin’ Brass. Their solemn but celebratory music offered a becoming soundtrack for the event — an environment that balanced grief with gratitude, reflecting each the somber weight of the second and the larger-than-life spirit that outlined Ozzy Osbourne‘s profession.
Whereas the household’s non-public funeral had already taken place earlier that morning, this public occasion gave followers, associates, and fellow residents the possibility to say goodbye on their very own phrases. The turnout was extraordinary. Broad Road was crammed shoulder-to-shoulder with mourners — some in tears, some in classic Sabbath shirts, many quietly singing or just watching because the hearse handed.
The Black Sabbath Bench, which has grow to be an impromptu memorial since Osbourne‘s passing, was the ultimate cease for the cortege. Over the past week, the positioning has drawn 1000’s from throughout the UK and past, changing into a spot of reflection, storytelling, and celebration for followers of all ages. A livestream of the bench — nonetheless ongoing — has allowed world followers to be a part of the expertise from afar.
“Ozzy was greater than a music legend — he was a son of Birmingham,” mentioned Lord Mayor Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, JP. “Having not too long ago been awarded the Freedom of the Metropolis and following his celebrated look on the Again to the Starting live performance at Villa Park earlier this month, it was necessary to town that we help a becoming, dignified tribute. We’re proud to host it right here along with his loving household within the place the place all of it started.”
That Freedom of the Metropolis, awarded to Ozzy Osbourne and his fellow Black Sabbath bandmates on June 28, symbolized Birmingham’s lasting delight within the group’s world affect — a contribution that prolonged far past music, defining a whole style and placing Birmingham firmly on the cultural map.
The Osbourne household personally funded your entire public occasion, coordinating intently with Birmingham Metropolis Council, West Midlands Metro, West Midlands Police, and native companies to make sure the day was secure, respectful, and accessible. Regardless of intensive street closures and transportation changes, town labored seamlessly to help the big turnout.
For these unable to attend, the livestream of the Black Sabbath Bench continues to run on-line, capturing the evolving memorial and permitting the world to participate in Birmingham’s tribute.
As town lights dimmed that night, the farewell to Ozzy Osbourne left an indelible mark not simply on the followers who witnessed it — however on Birmingham itself. A metropolis solid in metal and sound, Birmingham mentioned goodbye to considered one of its personal with open arms and heavy hearts.
Ozzy Osbourne wasn’t simply the Prince of Darkness. He was the soul of a metropolis, and that metropolis has now given him the farewell he so deeply earned.
Relaxation in peace, Ozzy Osbourne. Birmingham will always remember you.
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