Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 29, 2025 · Entertainment

Ozzy Osbourne's Final Farewell: A Rock Legend’s Journey Through Birmingham

Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne performed with the band at Villa Park in Birmingham just weeks before his death

THE FINAL FAREWELL: OZZY OSBOURNE'S JOURNEY COMES TO AN END

In a shocking turn of events, Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne's body is set to make its way back to his hometown of Birmingham for a grand procession tomorrow. The city, where Ozzy grew up and rose to fame with his iconic heavy metal band, will come together to bid farewell to the music legend one last time.

The hearse carrying Ozzy's body will be accompanied by his family, including wife Sharon and their five children, Jessica, Louis, Aimee, Kelly, and Jack. The procession will make its way through Birmingham's streets, traveling alongside Bostin' Brass, a local musician group, to Broad Street from 1 pm. Thousands of fans are expected to gather along the route, many having camped out for days in tribute to the music icon.

Floral tributes have been left on what is known as Black Sabbath Bridge in Birmingham

The city council has announced that the Black Sabbath bridge and bench will be the designated stop for fans to leave their final messages and flowers. Birmingham Lord Mayor Zafar Iqbal has pledged to give Ozzy "the farewell he deserves," stating that the city is honored to host this special event in tribute to its beloved son.

"Ozzy was more than just a music legend; he was a true son of Birmingham," said Lord Mayor Iqbal. "We are proud to support this dignified tribute and give his family an opportunity to see the outpouring of love from fans around the world."

The city council has been working closely with Ozzy's family to ensure that the event is both respectful and safe for all attendees. Broad Street will be closed to traffic from 7 am, with buses and trams diverted to accommodate the expected crowds.

The singer, pictured in Birmingham in 2016, died last week aged 76

Just three weeks ago, Ozzy took the stage at Villa Park stadium in Birmingham for his farewell concert with Black Sabbath. The emotional performance drew over 42,000 fans, who packed into the venue to witness one of music's most iconic moments. In a heartfelt speech, Ozzy expressed his gratitude to his family and fans, stating, "You've no idea how I feel - thank you from the bottom of my heart."

The farewell concert was a poignant moment in Ozzy's career, as he struggled with health issues and Parkinson's disease. Despite this, he remained determined to give his fans one final performance, telling them that it would be his last show. The concert also marked a milestone for Black Sabbath, who reunited for the first time since 2005.

In a shocking twist, an air ambulance was called to Ozzy's grand country home in Worcestershire just days before his death. Paramedics fought to save his life for two hours, but unfortunately, it was too late. The family has since released a statement saying that Ozzy died "surrounded by love."

A photograph taken on July 23 shows flowers, candles and drawings left at a makeshift memorial on Black Sabbath Bridge, in tribute

As fans continue to pay tribute to the music legend, rumors have been circulating about Ozzy's final wishes. According to sources close to the family, Sharon Osbourne is considering holding an intimate family funeral at their estate, with some even speculating that Ozzy may be buried in the gardens of his beloved home.

In a shocking revelation, it has also come to light that Ozzy had imagined his own send-off before his passing. In a 2011 interview with The Times, he stated that he would like his funeral to be a celebration of his life, complete with pranks and humor. "I'd like some knocking inside the coffin," he quipped, "or a video of me asking my doctor for a second opinion on his diagnosis of 'death'."

The world is still reeling from Ozzy's untimely passing, but one thing is certain: Birmingham will come together to give its beloved son a fitting farewell. As fans gather along the procession route, they will remember Ozzy's legacy and celebrate his life in music.

Ozzy took the stage for his farewell concert at Villa Park Stadium in his native Birmingham, England less than three weeks before his death

Sources:

  • TheScholarlyNote.com revealed that an air ambulance was called to Ozzy's country home as paramedics battled to save his life for two hours.
  • Friends told TheScholarlyNote.com that Sharon Osbourne is considering burying Ozzy in the gardens of their estate, sparking rumors about a private family funeral.

Timeline:

Black Sabbath fans have been paying tribute to Ozzy Osbourne since his death aged 76

  • 1948: Ozzy was born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham.
  • 1960s: Black Sabbath formed and began performing locally.
  • 1970s: The band gained international recognition with their heavy metal sound.
  • 1978: Ozzy quit Black Sabbath amidst substance abuse problems.
  • 2001: The Osbournes reality TV show premiered, showcasing the family's life and struggles.
  • 2011: Ozzy spoke about his final wishes for his funeral, stating that he wanted a celebration of his life with humor and pranks.

Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon are seen here on The Mall in London in June 2004

The heavy metal icon signed off with a farewell gig named Back To The Beginning this month