Ozzy Osbourne’s family made a searingly emotional appearance at his funeral in his hometown of Birmingham on Wednesday.
The Black Sabbath rocker died aged 76 last Tuesday following a battle with Parkinson’s, which was diagnosed in 2019.
Thousands of fans - and a slew of celebrities - bade farewell to him as his hearse travelled through central Birmingham in the early afternoon.
Sharon Osbourne, who was married to Ozzy for more than 40 years, was seen breaking down in tears as she read tributes to her husband.
It was reported earlier this week that the music manager’s friends worried she would be too “frail” to attend a public service.
Sharon and Ozzy’s children Jack, 39, Kelly, 40, Aimee, 41, as well as Louis, 50, who is Ozzy’s son from his first marriage to Thelma Riley, were also at the procession, fighting back tears as they walked through the crowds.
There will be a private closed service specifically for loved ones at a church in Gerrards Cross, Bucks, on Thursday.
The streets planned for his funeral procession were closed as thousands of fans turned up to pay their respects to the rock star and his family.
Ozzy’s longtime friend Elton John is thought to be leading the A-listers who will honour the music legend, alongside a slew of rock royalty.
“His Sabbath bandmates, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler, will be there, along with James Hetfield from Metallica,” a source told The Sun.
Singer Yungblud will reportedly give a reading and Elton will be with the family in the church.
At 1pm today (Wednesday 30), a hearse carrying Ozzy’s coffin travelled through central Birmingham, where road closures are in place.
The procession travelled from Sheepscote Street and onto Broad Street at 1pm before stopping at the Black Sabbath bridge and bench, where thousands of people have left flowers and tributes.
Fans were able to watch the procession from Broad Street, where a live brass band joined Ozzy’s hearse and accompanying vehicles.
Those unable to watch the service in person were able to watch a live stream instead.
Ozzy died on July 22 surrounded by his family.
In a statement, his family announced: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning.
“He was with his family and surrounded by love.”
His daughter Kelly, 40, shared a heartbreaking tribute to her father, calling him her “best friend”.
Over time, Ozzy’s Parkinson’s condition affected his mobility and speech, and earlier this year he began relying on a wheelchair. He also faced respiratory infections and other health complications linked to his illnesses.
