A City’s Farewell to the Prince of Darkness: Celebrating Ozzy Osbourne’s Legacy in Birmingham
The city of Birmingham is preparing to bid a heartfelt farewell to its most famous son, rock legend Ozzy Osbourne. A poignant public procession, meticulously planned in collaboration with the Osbourne family, will take place on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, starting at 1 p.m. BST. This event, fully funded by the family, will allow fans worldwide to pay their respects before a private funeral.
A Journey Through Birmingham’s Heart
The procession will commence on Broad Street, culminating at the iconic Black Sabbath Bridge – a fitting tribute to the band that launched Osbourne’s legendary career. A hearse, led by the vibrant sounds of local band Bostin’ Brass, will make its way along the route, offering a final opportunity for admirers to express their gratitude for the rock star’s enduring influence. To facilitate this moving tribute, road closures will be implemented from 7 a.m., with public transport rerouted accordingly. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the Black Sabbath Bridge will be available online.
A City United in Grief and Celebration
The outpouring of love and respect for Ozzy Osbourne has been overwhelming. Hundreds of letters and flowers have already adorned the Black Sabbath Bridge and a nearby bench, testament to the global reach of his music and persona. Fans from as far afield as Mexico and Poland have already made the pilgrimage to Birmingham to show their support. Local officials have enthusiastically embraced the event, underscoring the city’s profound connection to its most famous son.
Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Zafar Iqbal, eloquently summarized the city’s sentiment: “We are honoring one of the greatest living legends of our city. He put Birmingham on the map. He put Aston on the map.” He further emphasized the immense affection felt by fans, sharing his observations from signing a condolence book, where he witnessed firsthand the deep love and respect held for Ozzy and his family.
More Than a Memorial: A Citywide Tribute
Birmingham is showcasing its appreciation for Ozzy Osbourne through various initiatives. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is hosting the “Ozzy Osbourne Working Class Hero” exhibition, inaugurated by Sharon Osbourne. A condolence book is also available at the museum for visitors wishing to express their condolences.
Beyond the museum, several other tributes dot the city landscape: the striking Black Sabbath Mural on Navigation Street; Ozzy the Bull statue at New Street Station; and The Crown pub, birthplace of Black Sabbath, recently placed on the market. Even Ozzy’s former childhood home on Lodge Road is participating, with resident Ali Zaman having created an email address to collect fan messages for a publicly accessible online archive.
A Legacy Beyond the Stage
The impact of Ozzy Osbourne extends beyond his musical contributions. A petition with over 45,000 signatures calls for renaming Birmingham Airport to Ozzy Osbourne International Airport. While airport representatives are considering ways to honor the rock icon, a decision on the name change remains pending.
Ozzy’s passing on July 22nd, at age 76, just weeks after his farewell performance at Villa Park, marks the end of an era. The final concert, attended by numerous celebrities including Jason Momoa and members of Metallica, provided a fitting culmination to his illustrious career. This performance also saw the original Black Sabbath members – Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, and Geezer Butler – receive the Freedom of the City of Birmingham.
A Quiet Retirement, a Legacy of Noise
In the months leading up to his final performance, Ozzy Osbourne had expressed his desire for a peaceful retirement. In a May interview, he and Sharon shared their dreams of a simpler life, focused on family and away from the relentless demands of the music industry. Ozzy’s longing for a quiet life, away from the constant touring and the pressures of celebrity, stands in stark contrast to the roar of his music that reverberated across the globe for decades. This farewell procession serves not only as a commemoration of his life but also a recognition of his wish for a tranquil end to his extraordinary career.
