Ozzy Osbourne’s last ride will be where it all began. On Wednesday, July 30, there will be a public procession starting at 1 p.m. local time (8 a.m. EST), followed by a private funeral for close family and friends. Ozzy was married to Sharon Osbourne for 43 years and was the father to six children: Jessica, Louis, Aimee, Kelly, Jack, and Elliot.
Carrying the Prince of Darkness, the hearse will drive through the streets of Birmingham, England, starting on Broad Street, past the Black Sabbath Bridge and the memorial bench honoring the band that was a pioneer for heavy metal. It’s a full-circle moment for the 76-year-old legend, who died last week after a long battle with Parkinson’s and other health issues.
How to watch the procession
© GettyIf you’re not in Birmingham, you can still be part of it. There is a livestream available at blacksabbathbench.co.uk, broadcasting directly from the site where fans have been gathering all week. Since Ozzy’s death, the Black Sabbath Bridge has become a full-on shrine, covered in flowers, letters, candles, records, and band tees. Fans have been flying in from around the world to say goodbye.
What to expect
© GettyLocal band Bostin Brass will play during the procession, and The Guardian reports that Yungblud and members of Black Sabbath are expected to be a part of it.
The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, JP, told British Media, “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.”
“We know how much this moment will mean to his fans. We’re proud to host it here with his loving family in the place where it all began, and we are grateful that they have generously offered to pay to enable this to happen and support the city is giving him the farewell he deserves,” he continued.
Ozzy Osbourne’s last goodbye
© GettyOzzy passed on July 23, just weeks after the emotional Back to the Beginning reunion took place in Birmingham. Black Sabbath’s guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, and bassist Geezer Butler shared the stage with him. “You have no idea how I feel,” Ozzy said from the stage.
From factory kid to metal icon
© GettyThe “Crazy Train” singer was born in Aston and grew up in a working-class family. He worked in a factory before co-founding Black Sabbath in 1968, and his unique voice, lyrics, and musical genius would change rock music forever.
Ozzy went on to have a successful solo career, survived decades of controversy and addiction, and was introduced to a new generation when he became a reality TV dad in the 2000s on The Osbournes. His legacy will live on forever.
Rest in peace.
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