Tears and Tributes: Sharon Osbourne's Emotional Journey at Ozzy's Funeral Procession
ROCK LEGEND OZZY OSBOURNE'S FINAL FAREWELL: THOUSANDS TURN OUT TO PAY TRIBUTE
The streets of Birmingham were abuzz with emotion yesterday as thousands gathered to bid a heartfelt farewell to rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on July 22 at the ripe age of 76. His wife Sharon, a frail yet fiery 72-year-old reality TV matriarch, was overcome with grief as she emerged from her van to survey the sea of tributes that had been left for her beloved husband.
The 'Black Sabbath Bridge' in Birmingham's Broad Street was transformed into a veritable shrine, with fans leaving flowers, messages, and even handmade posters to honor the late rocker. The street was cordoned off so that Sharon and their children, Kelly, Jack, and Aimee, could view the tributes en route to Ozzy's funeral.
As they stepped out of their van, Sharon was met with a deafening cheer from the thousands of fans who had gathered to pay their respects. Clutching a tissue and a bouquet of flowers wrapped in a black sheet, she stumbled slightly as Jack checked on her, supporting her by the arm and hand. The scene was quintessentially Osbourne - a testament to the enduring love and devotion that their family has inspired in fans around the world.
Sharon's emotional breakdown was momentarily interrupted when she gave a thumbs-up to the crowd, accompanied by eldest child Aimee, 41. However, it wasn't long before tears began streaming down her face once more as she took in the sheer scale of the tributes on display. Jack and Kelly laid their own bouquets alongside those left by other fans, while Sharon's youngest child, Aimee, stood tall, clutching a single white rose.
Next to them stood Louis Osbourne, Ozzy's son from his first marriage to Thelma Riley, resplendent in a purple tie with skull-and-crossbones patterns. It was a fitting tribute to the late rocker, who had always been unafraid to push boundaries and defy convention.
As the funeral cortege made its way through the streets of Birmingham, it was led by local brass band Bostin' Brass, which performed rousing renditions of Black Sabbath classics. The procession itself was a moving sight, with fans lining the streets to catch a glimpse of the Jaguar hearse bearing Ozzy's remains.
Adorned in purple flowers - Ozzy's favorite color - and emblazoned with the simple yet poignant message "OZZY," the hearse served as a poignant reminder of the rocker's enduring legacy. The sea of faces that lined the streets was a testament to the impact that Ozzy had on the lives of so many fans, who were united in their grief and admiration for the man.
The cortege passed by Ozzy's childhood home in Lodge Road, Aston, where the present-day owners had placed a picture of the late rocker in their front window. It was a touching gesture, one that served as a reminder of just how deeply ingrained Ozzy is in British popular culture.
Ozzy's decision to return to the UK earlier this year, following his final all-clear from doctors, marked the beginning of the end for the rock legend. Battling Parkinson's disease and struggling with neck and back problems linked to injuries sustained over the years - including a 2003 quad bike accident and a fall in 2019 - Ozzy had long been preparing for this moment.
Despite his frailty, he remained committed to completing his final farewell tour - one that would ultimately become "The Back To The Beginning" career finale at Villa Park on July 5. Though complications from his injuries and the Covid pandemic meant that he never completed the full tour, Ozzy's dedication to his fans was unwavering.
As the Osbourne family made their way through the streets of Birmingham, they were met with a sea of love and support that will surely stay with them for years to come. It's a testament to the enduring power of rock 'n' roll - and the indomitable spirit of Ozzy Osbourne himself.
