Credited from: REUTERS
On Wednesday, thousands of heavy metal fans filled the streets of Birmingham to bid farewell to Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath, who passed away at the age of 76 on July 22. The emotional **funeral procession** started at around 1 p.m. local time and attracted attendees from around the globe, highlighting Ozzy's profound impact on music and culture, according to CBS News and Reuters.
The procession included a stately black hearse carrying Osbourne's coffin, which was adorned with floral arrangements, making its way past significant locations in the city, including the Black Sabbath bench, a dedicated memorial for the band. Family members, including his wife Sharon, emotionally waved to the crowds that chanted "Ozzy, Ozzy," celebrating his life and contributions to music, SCMP, Dawn, and Newsweek reported.
Music played a significant role in the procession, with a local brass band performing renditions of Black Sabbath's hits, fulfilling Osbourne's wish for a funeral that was not a "mope-fest." Tributes from fans filled the streets, and many wore Black Sabbath merchandise and Aston Villa jerseys, reflecting their admiration and respect for the music pioneer. "Ozzy was more than a music legend — he was a son of Birmingham," expressed Zafar Iqbal, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, reinforcing the cultural significance of the event, according to CBS News and Reuters.
The procession concluded with family members visiting the memorial bench, a spot where fans had left thousands of flowers and tributes. Many attendees expressed their emotions upon witnessing the farewell, emphasizing the deep connection between Osbourne and his fans. "This is overwhelming," said one fan, indicating how significant Osbourne's legacy remains in the community and globally, according to SCMP and Newsweek.