Thousands Line the Streets of Birmingham to Bid Farewell to Heavy Metal Legend Ozzy Osbourne

A wave of somber emotion swept through the streets of Birmingham today as thousands of fans gathered to bid a final farewell to one of the city’s most iconic sons—Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and one of the most influential figures in the history of heavy metal.

From early morning, mourners began lining up along the procession route, draped in black and adorned with band merchandise, flowers, and personal tributes. Many had traveled across the UK and from abroad to pay their respects to the man who, for over five decades, shaped the sound and soul of rock music.

The funeral procession moved slowly through Aston, the working-class neighborhood where Osbourne was born and raised. As the hearse passed his childhood home, the crowd fell into silence, many holding up signs that read “Thank you, Ozzy” and “Prince of Darkness, Forever in Our Hearts.”

Osbourne, who passed away last week at the age of 76, had battled health issues in recent years but remained an enduring symbol of resilience, rebellion, and raw musical power. His influence extended far beyond music—he was a cultural icon, a survivor, and to many, the voice of an entire generation.

Fans shared stories of what Osbourne meant to them. “His music saved my life,” said 32-year-old Liam Matthews, who flew in from Dublin. “Ozzy made the outcasts feel seen. He gave us power when the world ignored us.”

The service itself, held at Birmingham Cathedral, was a private affair attended by family, close friends, and music industry legends. Sharon Osbourne, his wife and longtime manager, gave a moving tribute, describing Ozzy as “a force of nature who loved deeply, laughed loudly, and lived unapologetically.”

Outside the cathedral, large screens broadcasted footage of Osbourne’s career—his unforgettable performances with Black Sabbath, his solo successes like “Crazy Train” and “No More Tears”, and candid moments from his life offstage.

Several musicians paid tribute via video message, including Metallica’s James Hetfield and Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl, both crediting Osbourne with shaping their careers. “There would be no metal without Ozzy,” Grohl said. “He was the original blueprint.”

In a particularly emotional moment, Tony Iommi, co-founder of Black Sabbath and lifelong friend of Ozzy, addressed the crowd: “We started out as kids with nothing. And somehow, we built something that changed the world. I’ll never forget that. I’ll never forget him.”

As the sun set over Birmingham, fans lit candles and sang “Changes”, one of Osbourne’s most haunting and personal songs. The lyrics, now echoing through the streets, felt especially poignant: “I’m going through changes…”

For the city that gave birth to heavy metal, and for the fans who found meaning in his music, Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy will never die. The Prince of Darkness may have taken his final bow, but his voice, his spirit, and his impact will thunder on forever.