Thousands of Fans Gather for Ozzy Osbourne’s Funeral Procession in Birmingham
Miles of fans paid their respects to heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne before a private burial in his hometown, Birmingham, England. The funeral procession took place on Wednesday, with a black hearse carrying Osbourne’s casket adorned with pink flowers forming the name “OZZY.” The procession paused at the “Black Sabbath Bridge,” where Osbourne’s family, including his wife Sharon, laid flowers.
Sharon Osbourne’s Emotional Tribute
Sharon, with tears in her eyes and her head bowed, was accompanied by her three children, Aimee, Jack, and Kelly, and acknowledged the crowd chanting Osbourne’s name. The “Black Sabbath Bridge,” featuring a bench with the faces of the band members, has been covered in tributes since Osbourne’s passing, with flowers, balloons, and messages from numerous admirers.
Fan Reactions and Memorials
Lana Vivienne, 26, stood in line to leave a rose, saying, “I came to say goodbye one last time.” She highlighted Osbourne’s authenticity and unchanging nature, despite his fame, noting that he “never lost his accent.”
Nearby, pubs played Black Sabbath music at full volume. Fans dressed in black, wearing shirts or jackets with Osbourne’s “Prince of Darkness” image, gathered in tribute.
Importance of the Funeral for Birmingham
The procession traveled down Broad Street, decorated with stars bearing the names of notable Birmingham figures — including Ozzy Osbourne — similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Reece Sargeant, 16, explained, “It was important to be here because he did so much for the city.”
Fan Reactions from Afar
Mhairi Larner, 31, traveled from Nottingham, stating, “It’s moving to be part of the metal community, which is simply fantastic.” The healthcare assistant and lifelong fan praised Osbourne’s impact on Birmingham.
Ozzy Osbourne’s Legacy and Impact
Black Sabbath, founded in 1968, achieved significant commercial success in the 1970s and 1980s, selling over 75 million albums worldwide. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, with Osbourne receiving his second induction as a solo artist the previous year.
Osbourne was celebrated for his musical talent but also gained fame through his eccentric behavior, often fueled by excessive drug and alcohol use. In 1989, he was arrested for attempting to strangle his wife Sharon while intoxicated. He recounted this incident in a 2007 interview.
One of Osbourne’s most memorable moments occurred in 1982 when he bit the head off a live bat on stage in Des Moines, USA. Believing it to be a rubber bat thrown by a fan, he only realized it was real after the bat bit him.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was Ozzy Osbourne? Ozzy Osbourne was a heavy metal legend, best known as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath.
- Why was his funeral significant? The funeral drew thousands of fans and highlighted Osbourne’s impact on Birmingham and the music industry.
- What was Osbourne’s legacy? Osbourne was celebrated for his musical talent and eccentric behavior, contributing to Black Sabbath’s success and becoming a cultural icon.
