Ozzy Osbourne made his final journey back to his hometown of Birmingham, England, on Wednesday, where he was warmly remembered by thousands of Black Sabbath fans. The iconic frontman’s hearse traveled through the city center, flanked by his grieving family, towards the Black Sabbath bench on Broad Street, a spot dedicated to the band. Fans chanted “Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy, oi, oi, oi” as the procession passed by.
Accompanied by police escort, the Osbourne family stopped at the bench to pay their respects, with Sharon Osbourne visibly moved by the outpouring of tributes. Even after the private funeral, the city resonated with the sound of Black Sabbath, celebrating their connection to the heavy metal legend.
Growing up in Birmingham, John “Ozzy” Osbourne co-founded Black Sabbath in 1968, solidifying the city’s status as a metal hub. Fans of all ages gathered to bid farewell, showcasing the profound impact Osbourne had on generations. Birmingham City Council’s head of events highlighted Osbourne’s deep ties to the city, praising his unwavering pride in his roots.
Black Sabbath’s origins in Birmingham’s industrial landscape shaped their distinctive heavy metal sound. Osbourne’s enduring legacy as the band’s frontman in the 1970s, known for his wild stage antics and dark persona, contributed to their global success. Their influential music and Osbourne’s solo career garnered a massive following, culminating in a historic reunion concert in Birmingham in 2025.
Despite health struggles in recent years, Osbourne’s legacy lives on through his music and reality TV ventures. His impact on the music industry and his hometown of Birmingham remains profound, cementing his status as a heavy metal icon.