Ozzy Osbourne's Cortege to Honor His Legacy in Birmingham

In a poignant farewell to one of rock music's most influential figures, the cortege of Ozzy Osbourne is set to traverse the streets of Birmingham on July 30, 2025, allowing fans to pay their final respects to the 'Prince of Darkness.' The procession will begin at approximately 1 PM, commencing from Broad Street and making its way towards the Black Sabbath bridge, a site marked by tributes from thousands of admirers since Osbourne's passing less than three weeks ago.

Osbourne, who passed away at the age of 76, had recently performed in Birmingham at a reunion concert with his Black Sabbath bandmates, an event that raised approximately £140 million for charity. The Birmingham City Council has stated that this tribute is not only for Osbourne but also a celebration of his deep connections to the city, which he proudly represented throughout his illustrious career. "Ozzy was more than a music legend—he was a son of Birmingham," remarked Councillor Zafar Iqbal, the lord mayor of Birmingham. "We know how much this moment will mean to his fans. We are proud to host it here with his loving family in the place where it all began."

The cortege will be accompanied by a live brass band, Bostin' Brass, enhancing the atmosphere of this significant communal event. For those unable to attend in person, a live stream will be available from the Black Sabbath bench—an ongoing memorial since Osbourne’s death. Additionally, a book of condolence has been placed at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, where an exhibition titled 'Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero' is currently on display, highlighting his contributions to music.

Historically, Osbourne, alongside his bandmates—Terence 'Geezer' Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward—was awarded the Freedom of the City of Birmingham in June 2025, recognizing their immense impact on the cultural and musical landscape of the city. This honor came just prior to their reunion performance, which served as a testament to their legacy.

The impact of Osbourne's music extends beyond the realm of heavy metal. His hits, including 'Iron Man,' 'Paranoid,' 'War Pigs,' 'Crazy Train,' and 'Changes,' have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Moreover, his role on the reality television show 'The Osbournes' introduced him to a new generation, showcasing both the chaos and charisma of his family life alongside wife Sharon and children Kelly and Jack.

As fans gather to celebrate Osbourne's life and contributions to music, the procession through Birmingham serves as a final tribute to a man whose work has profoundly influenced the heavy metal genre and popular culture at large. With the support of his family and the local community, the cortege will symbolize the love and admiration that fans hold for the rock icon. Following the public tribute, a private family funeral will take place, allowing Osbourne's family to grieve in peace, surrounded by love and memories of the legendary musician.