Ozzy Osbourne's Birmingham Farewell: Thousands Honor Metal Icon in Hometown Procession
Thousands in Birmingham, England, honor legendary Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, 76, during an emotional hearse procession through his hometown after his passing.
Overview
- Legendary Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne passed away at 76, prompting widespread grief and tributes from fans globally and in his hometown of Birmingham.
- An emotional hearse procession is currently underway through Birmingham, England, allowing thousands to pay their final respects to the iconic rock star.
- The procession route includes significant Birmingham landmarks like Broad Street and the Black Sabbath bench, where fans have gathered to honor the metal legend.
- Birmingham previously recognized Osbourne and Black Sabbath with the Freedom of the City, acknowledging their profound cultural impact on the city and music.
- Osbourne's passing at 76 followed years of declining health, including a Parkinson's disease diagnosis in 2019, which contributed to his death.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources collectively frame Ozzy Osbourne's farewell as a deeply emotional and fittingly raucous public tribute to a beloved rock legend. They emphasize the outpouring of grief and celebration from fans and family, particularly Sharon Osbourne's tears, alongside Birmingham's strong connection to its "Prince of Darkness." The narrative highlights the scale and intensity of the public's respect and affection.
"The large crowd of onlookers created a highly-charged atmosphere, giving the heavy metal star a respectful but fittingly raucous send-off as they chanted: "Ozzy! Ozzy! Ozzy!""
BBC News"Sharon Osbourne broke down in tears during the emotional funeral procession for her husband, Ozzy Osbourne, surrounded by their children and supporters."
USA TODAY"Fans of Black Sabbath lined the streets and memorials were taking place throughout the city of Birmingham, where Osbourne was born and where Black Sabbath was formed."
Deadline"Thousands of Black Sabbath fans were paying their respects Wednesday to frontman Ozzy Osbourne as his hearse made its way through the streets of Birmingham, the English city where he grew up and where the band was formed in 1968."
Associated PressArticles (13)
Center (4)
FAQ
The funeral procession started at 1 PM BST and traveled down Birmingham's Broad Street, passing significant landmarks including the Black Sabbath bridge and bench where thousands of fans gathered to pay their respects.
The funeral procession was attended by thousands of fans including Osbourne's wife Sharon Osbourne, their children Jack, Kelly, and Aimee, along with other close relatives. The Lord Mayor of Birmingham also visited the site.
The procession paused at the Black Sabbath bridge and bench, a prominent tribute spot featuring life-size cutouts of Black Sabbath's founding members, where fans laid flowers and messages.
Birmingham had awarded Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath the Freedom of the City, acknowledging their profound cultural impact on the city and the music world.
Ozzy Osbourne had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019, and his health had been in decline for years leading up to his death at age 76.
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