Ozzy Osbourne Funeral: Thousands Say Goodbye to the Prince of Darkness in Birmingham

A rock legend’s farewell: Ozzy’s hometown turns out in droves for an emotional procession and private funeral.

By The Big Magazine Staff

Rock 'n' roll royalty was honored in a sea of black leather and heartfelt tears as thousands of fans lined the streets of Birmingham to bid a final farewell to Ozzy Osbourne. The legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, known as the "Prince of Darkness," was laid to rest in his hometown in a moving tribute that merged his rebellious spirit with touching moments of love and legacy.

Sharon Osbourne, his devoted wife of more than 40 years, was seen arriving with their children—Jack, Kelly, and Aimee—clutching one another in grief and gratitude. Close family and friends attended a private service at a chapel nearby, said to include intimate speeches, rare acoustic renditions of Ozzy’s hits, and a candlelit tribute from his grandchildren.

Ozzy, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 75, received a hero's sendoff that echoed through the streets of Aston, where his journey from working-class roots to global superstardom first began. The funeral procession kicked off at noon and traced a poignant path past key landmarks in his life, including the old Aston Villa ground and his childhood home.

Fans from around the globe made the pilgrimage to pay respects, many of them donning Ozzy-inspired outfits, waving Union Jack flags, and holding roses or vinyl records. Chants of “Ozzy! Ozzy! Ozzy!” rang out as his casket, draped in black, rolled by to the beat of his most iconic anthems, including Crazy Train and Paranoid.

The hearse transporting the singer's coffin, decorated with purple flowers spelling 'Ozzy', was part of a funeral procession led by a live brass band, Bostin' Brass. They played renditions of Black Sabbath songs like Iron Man, while thousands of emotional fans lined the streets, singing along in remembrance of Ozzy.

Huge crowds gathered along the route hours in advance of the 1pm start, to pay their respects to the Prince of Darkness whose hits included Paranoid and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.

Celebrity tributes also poured in, with longtime friends like Tony Iommi, Slash, and Gene Simmons sharing memories online. Elton John posted a heartfelt message calling Ozzy “a beautifully twisted soul with a heart bigger than his voice,” while Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose wrote, “He made being different feel powerful.”

Ozzy’s final resting place remains private, but fans were invited to leave messages, flowers, and memorabilia at a designated tribute wall near Birmingham Town Hall. A bronze statue is reportedly in the works to permanently commemorate his influence on music and culture.

He may be gone, but Ozzy’s music and his defiant spirit will echo through the ages.

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