Birmingham is preparing for a thunderous farewell to its most iconic son, Ozzy Osbourne, on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, with a grand public funeral procession that blends rock nostalgia, civic pride, and emotional tribute.
Known worldwide as the “Prince of Darkness,” Ozzy’s final journey will trace the streets that once echoed his teenage footsteps—now lined with mourning fans and ringing with brass in his honor.
Procession Details: Soundtracking a Legend’s Last Ride
The funeral cortege kicks off at 1 p.m. BST, starting from central Birmingham and weaving its way down Broad Street, past landmarks like the Black Sabbath Bridge and the now-iconic Black Sabbath Bench—where fans have already flooded the site with flowers, candles, and vinyl tributes.
Bostin’ Brass, Birmingham’s beloved brass band, will soundtrack the procession in a poignant blend of pageantry and rock legacy.
Road closures will begin at 7 a.m., with public transport rerouted as the city braces for an influx of thousands.
Giant screens are expected to broadcast moments from Ozzy’s career as the hearse makes its way to the symbolic landmarks.
Family and Rock Royalty to Lead the Way
Leading the procession will be Sharon Osbourne and Ozzy’s children—Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis—alongside surviving members of Black Sabbath: Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward.
Other high-profile attendees expected include:
Yungblud, who hailed Ozzy as a “spiritual godfather of misfit music.”
James Hetfield (Metallica) and Elton John, close collaborators and friends, are also rumored to attend the private funeral in Gerrards Cross later that day.
The Final Curtain: Legacy Cemented
Ozzy passed away peacefully at 76 on July 22, 2025, just weeks after his powerful “Back to the Beginning” farewell concert at Villa Park—a reunion show with Black Sabbath that raised over £1 million for Birmingham charities.
The city had recently conferred Freedom of Birmingham on Ozzy and his bandmates, while the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery unveiled a tribute exhibition:
“Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero”, chronicling his rise from Aston’s working-class streets to global superstardom.
A Farewell Etched in Stone—and Sound
This isn’t just a funeral. It’s an encore, a street symphony, and a declaration that Birmingham never forgot its heavy metal prophet. The man who once barked at the moon returns in silence, escorted by his people—fans, family, and flames of legacy.
As the city pauses, amplifiers quiet, and tears fall under church bells, one thing is certain:
Ozzy’s final ride is more than goodbye—it’s a homecoming in full volume.
