KEY POINTS
- Fans can pay respects in person or via livestream
- Procession pauses at Black Sabbath bench for fans to gather
- Private funeral to follow; family-run condolence book and exhibition also open
Fans of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne can pay their final respects tomorrow—Wednesday 30 July—as the ceremonial funeral cortège travels through his home city of Birmingham, offering a poignant farewell before a private family service.
The Black Sabbath frontman, who passed away aged 76 on 22 July, is being honoured with a public procession that will begin at 1:00pm on Broad Street—a route chosen to reflect the city where his remarkable career began.
Birmingham's Tribute to a Local Legend
The procession will wind its way along Broad Street and pause at the iconic Black Sabbath bench and bridge, allowing fans a moment to pay tribute at a landmark dedicated to the band's legacy. A live performance by Bostin' Brass, a local brass band, will accompany the route.
The Birmingham council has coordinated the event at speed with the Osbourne family, who are covering all associated costs. Mayor Zafar Iqbal called Ozzy 'more than a music legend,' emphasising that as a true son of Birmingham, he deserved a fitting tribute from his hometown.
'It was important to the city that we support a fitting, dignified tribute ahead of a private family funeral,' Iqbal said. 'We are proud to host this farewell in the place where it all began.'
The city is implementing road closures from 7:00am, and public transport—buses and trams—will be diverted. Fans who cannot attend in person will have the opportunity to follow the procession via livestream at this website: https://blacksabbathbench.co.uk/take-your-black-sabbath-bench-selfie/
A Personal Goodbye Beyond the Public Farewell
Although the procession is open to the public, it precedes a private family funeral, described as a 'celebration of life' rather than a mournful service. A family source told People:
'They're very grateful for the special family time they had together before Ozzy passed... Ozzy would never want a mope‑fest.'
Meanwhile, at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, a book of condolence has been set up. Visitors can also view the Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero exhibition, curated by his wife and manager Sharon Osbourne, which opened in June to honour his extraordinary life.
His Legacy of Heavy Metal and Resilience
Ozzy Osbourne helped define heavy metal, starting with Black Sabbath's self-titled debut in 1970 and the game-changing Paranoid. His solo career, known for tracks like Crazy Train and Mama, I'm Coming Home, solidified his reputation as rock royalty.
Despite battling Parkinson's disease, significant nerve damage from a quad-biking accident, and physical decline that led to the condition known as foot drop, Ozzy remained a cultural titan—both vulnerable and indomitable.
His passing was confirmed by his family in a heartfelt statement: 'It is with more sadness than mere words can convey... our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love.'
Tomorrow's Procession: What to Know
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 07:00 | Road closures begin; buses and trams diverted |
| 13:00 | Funeral cortège begins along Broad Street |
| TBA | Live brass band performance by Bostin' Brass |
| Following procession | Pause at Black Sabbath bench and bridge |
| Private funeral | Family-only service to follow later |
Ozzy's passing marks the end of an era—but tomorrow's procession ensures yet another chapter in his story: A farewell befitting Birmingham's unapologetic rock god. Whether lining Broad Street or watching online, fans around the world will be part of a final curtain call for the Prince of Darkness.
