Goodbye, Ozzy

Ozzy Osbourne’s Funeral Procession to Pass Through Birmingham in Public Tribute

Birmingham prepares for Ozzy Osbourne's funeral procession, featuring brass band tribute and public gathering at Black Sabbath Bridge. City honors its legendary rock icon.

Lara Sukster Mosheyof

JUL 29, 2025 12:24

2 min read

Fans of heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne will have a final opportunity to pay their respects as his funeral cortege makes a ceremonial journey through his hometown of Birmingham this Wednesday.

The procession will begin at 1:00 PM BST, moving along Broad Street, a symbolic route that leads to the Black Sabbath Bridge and bench, where thousands of fans have already laid flowers, candles, and handwritten tributes to the late frontman.

The tribute has been organized in collaboration with Osbourne’s family, the Birmingham City Council, and local radio presenter Ed James, who first announced the plans on BBC WM. The family has covered all event costs, according to city officials.

"A Son of Birmingham"

Speaking ahead of the event, Lord Mayor Zafar Iqbal praised Osbourne’s lasting impact on the city:

“He put Birmingham and Aston on the map. He was not just a global icon but a son of this city.”

Iqbal joined fans in signing the book of condolence and said the outpouring of love from around the world had been "immense." Visitors from Mexico, the United States, Poland, and beyond have made the pilgrimage to the Black Sabbath Bench, turning the area into a makeshift shrine.

Road Closures and Public Access

To accommodate the procession, Broad Street will be closed to traffic from 07:00 BST on Wednesday, with public transport including trams and buses rerouted. The road will reopen as soon as possible after the cortege has passed.

Local brass band Bostin’ Brass will accompany the hearse, providing a fitting musical tribute to the Prince of Darkness.

For those unable to attend in person, the Black Sabbath bench will continue to be live-streamed online. Meanwhile, a book of condolence is available to sign at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which is also hosting the "Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero" exhibition, opened last month by Sharon Osbourne.