Numerous fans gathered along the streets of Birmingham to pay their last respects to Ozzy Osbourne. The "Prince of Darkness" passed away shortly after his last performance.
Thousands of individuals assembled in the city of Birmingham, United Kingdom, on Wednesday to pay tribute to the "Prince of Darkness" and lead singer of Black Sabbath.
The funeral vehicle transporting Ozzy Osbourne traveled along the street-filled with people in the city where he was born and where Black Sabbath came into existence in 1968.
Osbourne passed away at the age of 76 on July 22, just a few weeks following a last performance to a full audience. He had been in bad health, having been diagnosed with Parkinson's several years prior.
Supporters show their admiration for Osbourne
Osbourne once expressed his desire for his funeral to be a joyous occasion rather than a "mope-fest." Today's event combined sorrow with festivity, as crowds shouted "Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy, oi, oi, oi."
A 16-year-old fan, Fan Reece Sargeant, told the AFP news agency, "I believe it was significant to come and show our respects.... Ozzy and Black Sabbath truly brought Birmingham into the spotlight."
Devoted fan Antony Hunt described it as an "emotional" day.
"What's impressive is the vast range of age groups, from very young children, teenagers, to individuals in their 60s and 70s, so it's wonderful to witness," he said.
Birmingham's Mayor Zafar Iqbal hailed Osbourne as a "son of Birmingham" and "far more than a music legend."
Graham Croucher, a 58-year-old locomotive operator, described Osbourne as an "unquestionable icon" and "was the musical backdrop especially to my childhood."
From the family home to Black Sabbath Bridge
The hearse belonging to Osbourne, decorated with floral displays, traveled through the city's streets. It was accompanied by a live brass band, passing by his childhood residence in the Aston district of the city, along Broad Street, and finally reaching the Black Sabbath bench. The artwork was introduced in 2019 and is located on a bridge also named following the band.
Sharon, Osbourne's wife, along with their children Kelly, Jack, Louis, and Aimee, arrived in cars behind them. The family showed clear emotion as they stepped onto the bridge to place flowers and read messages from fans.
The motorcade, escorted by police motorcycles, proceeded towards a private funeral ceremony.
Ozzy Osbourne - 'the pioneer of heavy metal'
Black Sabbath is generally acknowledged forspreading the popularity of heavy metal music, and Osbourne was famous for his iconic behavior both on and off the stage.
Black Sabbath achieved significant commercial success during the 1970s and 1980s, with global album sales exceeding 75 million.
In June, Ozzy and his Black Sabbath band members Terence Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward received the Freedom of the City in honor of their contributions to the city of Birmingham.
They played their final farewell showIn early July, 42,000 fans gathered in Birmingham, with the Prince of Darkness seated on a black throne.
Edited by Sean Sinico
Writer: Amy Stockdale (with AP, AFP, Reuters)