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A public farewell for rock legend Ozzy Osbourne will take place in Birmingham, England, on Wednesday, July 30, followed by a private funeral service.
The ceremony comes just over a week after Osbourne’s passing on July 22 at the age of 76, and only 25 days after his powerful final performance at the record-breaking Back to the Beginning concert—held in the very city where his career began.
A Final Journey Through Birmingham
Before the private service, a public funeral procession will honor Osbourne’s legacy, winding through the streets of his childhood hometown. The route will pass key landmarks, including the Black Sabbath bridge and bench—now covered with flowers and heartfelt messages from fans across the globe.
“It was important to the city that we support a fitting, dignified tribute ahead of a private family funeral,” said Lord Mayor Zafar Iqbal, via The Guardian. “We know how much this moment will mean to his fans.”
The procession will be accompanied by local ensemble Bostin Brass, and The Guardian reports that surviving members of Black Sabbath are expected to take part in the tribute.
How to Watch the Procession
Fans who can’t attend in person can still pay their respects. According to NME, a livestream will be available via a feed overlooking the Black Sabbath bench. The procession is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM BST (8:00 AM EST).
Remembering the Prince of Darkness
Osbourne’s family announced his death on July 22 in a heartfelt statement:
“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.”
Just weeks earlier, Ozzy delivered a final, emotional performance in Birmingham, playing a five-song solo set followed by a reunion with Black Sabbath’s original lineup—Tony Lommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—for the first time since 2005.
The Back to the Beginning concert featured a stacked lineup of heavy metal legends including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Pantera, and Anthrax, all paying homage to the godfather of heavy metal.
Osbourne leaves behind a towering musical legacy and millions of fans who will carry his voice and spirit for generations to come.