Sharon Osbourne has announced the funeral arrangements for her husband, Ozzy Osbourne, who died last week at the age of 76. The Black Sabbath frontman will be laid to rest on Wednesday, July 30, in a private family ceremony.
Before the funeral, a public procession will take place on Tuesday, July 29, at 1pm along Broad Street in Birmingham, ending at the Black Sabbath bridge and bench where floral tributes have been left. The cortege will be accompanied by a live brass band, Bostin' Brass, and Ozzy's family will follow behind.
Birmingham's Lord Mayor, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, JP, said: 'Ozzy was more than a music legend - he was a son of Birmingham. 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.'
Broad Street will be closed to traffic from 7am on Tuesday, with buses and trams diverted. The Osbourne family has covered all costs associated with the procession. A book of condolence has been opened at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, alongside the Ozzy Osbourne Working Class Hero exhibition.
Ozzy had expressed a desire to return to the UK permanently, saying in May: 'It's time for me to spend some time with my grandkids. I don't want to die in a hotel room somewhere.' He died peacefully at home surrounded by family, just weeks after his final performance at Villa Park.
