The city of Birmingham, United Kingdom, is preparing to say a final and heartfelt farewell to one of its most legendary and beloved sons: Ozzy Osbourne. A public tribute procession will take place on Tuesday, July 30, offering fans and the city a chance to honor the life and legacy of the Black Sabbath frontman, who passed away on July 22 at the age of 76.
At 1:00 PM (8:00 AM EST/6:00 AM PST), a funeral cortege carrying Ozzy Osbourne and his family will begin a slow, dignified procession down Broad Street, a cultural hub in the heart of the city. The route will lead to the Black Sabbath Bridge and commemorative bench, now covered in flowers, notes, and tributes from grieving fans across the globe. The site has become an unofficial memorial over the past week, as thousands have gathered to celebrate the life of the man who helped shape heavy metal and proudly carried the spirit of Birmingham onto the world stage.
The procession will be accompanied by a live brass band performance from Bostin’ Brass, adding a poignant musical moment to the occasion. Their performance is expected to reflect both the somber tone of the day and the larger-than-life energy that defined Ozzy Osbourne‘s career.
In order to watch the funeral procession, head on over to the Black Sabbath Bench website and enter your email address. The rest is free and a breeze.
“Ozzy was more than a music legend — he was a son of Birmingham,” said Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, JP. “Having recently been awarded the Freedom of the City and following his celebrated appearance at the Back to the Beginning concert at Villa Park earlier this month, it was important to the city that we support a fitting, dignified tribute ahead of a private family funeral. We know how much this moment will mean to his fans.”
The Freedom of the City — one of Birmingham’s highest honors — was awarded to Ozzy Osbourne and his fellow Black Sabbath members on June 28, 2025, recognizing their immense contributions to the city’s global cultural impact. This public farewell is seen as a continuation of that recognition, supported and funded by the Osbourne family, who wished to share this moment with the fans while maintaining the privacy of a separate family ceremony.
Birmingham City Council, working closely with local authorities, transport services, and the Osbourne family, has coordinated a safe and respectful event for what is expected to be a significant public gathering.
Public Information and Logistics
- Cortege Start Time: Approx. 1:00 PM, moving down Broad Street to the Black Sabbath Bridge
- Road Closures: Broad Street closed to through traffic from 7:00 AM
- Public Transport: Buses and trams will be diverted; local access may be restricted
- Stewards will be on-site, and attendees are encouraged to use public transport, arrive early, and follow safety guidance
- A live stream of the Black Sabbath bench will continue to operate online for those unable to attend in person
“We’re proud to host it here with his loving family in the place where it all began,” Mayor Iqbal added. “We are grateful that they have generously offered to pay to enable this to happen and support the city in giving him the farewell he deserves.”
This final public tribute to Ozzy Osbourne not only marks the end of an era for heavy metal fans worldwide, but also honors a lifelong relationship between a cultural icon and his hometown. Birmingham will say goodbye not just to a music legend, but to a true son of the city — with pride, gratitude, and heavy hearts.
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