The funeral of Ozzy Osbourne will take place on Wednesday July 30, with a public procession through Birmingham ahead of a private family service. The Black Sabbath frontman died last week, and his family have arranged for fans to pay their last respects along a route that holds special significance to the rock icon.
The procession will begin at 1pm on Broad Street, led by a live brass band, Bostin’ Brass. Ozzy’s cortege will travel to the Black Sabbath Bridge and bench, where floral tributes have been left. His family will follow behind. Broad Street will be closed to traffic from 7am, with buses and trams diverted until the event concludes.
The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, 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.” He added that the family had generously offered to cover the costs of the procession.
For those unable to attend, a live feed of the Black Sabbath Bridge will be available, where fans have left floral tributes. A book of condolence has been opened at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, alongside the Ozzy Osbourne Working Class Hero exhibition. A Black Sabbath mural on Navigation Street and Ozzy the Bull at New Street Station also serve as memorial points.
Ozzy’s final wish was to return to Birmingham, which he did for his last performance at Villa Park last month. His family’s statement announcing his death read: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love.”
