The home of metal paid tribute to one of its most beloved icons, as thousands gathered in Birmingham to honor frontman Ozzy Osbourne. The hearse transporting Osbourne, who sadly passed away at the age of 76 last Tuesday, made its journey through the streets of Birmingham, the city that not only witnessed his formative years but also served as the birthplace of the legendary band Black Sabbath.
On Wednesday, fans lined Broad Street, Birmingham’s major thoroughfare, as the hearse made its way toward the Black Sabbath bench, a memorial unveiled on the Broad Street canal bridge in 2019. As the hearse arrived, fans erupted in chants of “Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy, oi, oi, oi,” showcasing the deep affection and respect they held for the music legend. Following the hearse, six vehicles carried Osbourne’s family, who organized the procession. In a poignant moment, his wife of 43 years, Sharon Osbourne, emerged from the vehicle, visibly moved by the outpouring of love from fans.
Since the announcement of Osbourne's passing, fans have made pilgrimages to significant sites throughout Birmingham, a city that proudly embraces its legacy as the birthplace of heavy metal. City official Zafar Iqbal remarked, “Ozzy was more than a music legend — he was a son of Birmingham. We know how much this moment will mean to his fans.” This sentiment was echoed by many attendees, including fan Evie Mayo, who stated, “I think he really impacted everyone here, especially in Birmingham. Now that he’s not here anymore, you can feel the impact of it. He inspired a lot of people and he was a great person.”
The story of Black Sabbath began in Birmingham in 1968 when the four founding members sought to escape the monotony of factory work. The city’s rich manufacturing history undoubtedly influenced the aggressive yet melodic sound that would become synonymous with heavy metal. Osbourne, who never forgot his working-class roots, maintained his distinctive Brummie accent throughout his career. Black Sabbath is widely recognized for defining and popularizing the sound of heavy metal, with Osbourne as the charismatic frontman during the band’s peak in the 1970s.
Osbourne’s legendary antics, both on and off stage, often fueled by a tumultuous lifestyle, earned him the title of the “Prince of Darkness.” The band’s self-titled debut album released in 1970 catapulted them into the U.K. top 10, paving the way for a series of hit albums like 1971’s “Master of Reality” and “Vol. 4” in 1972. Over the years, Black Sabbath became one of the most influential and commercially successful metal bands of all time, selling over 75 million albums worldwide.
The final show of Black Sabbath on July 5 drew an audience of 42,000 fans at Villa Park, home of Aston Villa, marking the band’s return after a 20-year hiatus. Osbourne, seated on a black throne, gave a performance that resonated with fans and solidified his legacy. In recent years, Osbourne faced health challenges, including a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2019, but his impact on music and culture remains indelible.
As Birmingham pays its respects to Ozzy Osbourne, it is clear that the music legend will always be remembered not just as a star, but as a cherished son of the city that gave birth to heavy metal.
