Introduction to Ozzy Osbourne’s Funeral Procession
Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary Black Sabbath singer, will make his final journey through his hometown of Birmingham, where fans, friends, and family will gather to bid their last farewell. The procession, which will take place on Wednesday, is being funded by Osbourne’s family and will provide an opportunity for the city to pay its respects to one of its most iconic legends.
The Procession Route and Schedule
The procession will begin at around 1:00 p.m. (12:00 GMT) and will make its way down Broad Street, accompanied by a live performance by the Bostin’ Brass Band and other local musicians. The cortege will travel to Black Sabbath Bridge, where thousands of fans have left floral tributes and messages of condolence. A tram named after Osbourne, which was unveiled in 2016, will also be parked near Birmingham Library as the cortege passes through the city.
Preparations and Road Closures
To accommodate the large number of fans expected to attend, Broad Street will be closed to traffic from around 07:00, with buses and trams being diverted during the event. Stewards will be on hand to assist visitors, and access for locals will be managed as much as possible, although cannot be guaranteed. The council has asked those planning to attend to arrive early, use public transport, and follow security instructions.
The Significance of the Event
For many fans, Birmingham is the perfect place for the procession, as it is Osbourne’s hometown and a city that he proudly represented throughout his career. Rachel Tomlinson from Birmingham said that the procession is "where it should be" and that Osbourne "always made me proud to be a Brummie." Luisa Huggins from the Westside Business Improvement District added that the event has brought a positive focus to the city, with people coming from all over to pay their respects to the legendary musician.
A Fitting Tribute
The Bostin’ Brass Band, which will perform during the procession, has described itself as "Birmingham’s own second-line, jazz, funk, and ska soul stew." Band member Aaron Diaz said that he is nervous and honored to be a part of the event, and that the band will "really enjoy paying him a fitting tribute and being part of the thousands that will turn out on that day." The event is expected to be a fitting tribute to Osbourne’s legacy, and a celebration of his life and music.
Live Streaming and Online Tributes
For those who cannot attend the procession in person, a live stream of the event will be available online. The Black Sabbath bench, which has become a focal point for fans to leave tributes and messages, will continue to be available online, allowing fans from around the world to pay their respects to the legendary musician. Thousands are expected to say a final farewell to Osbourne, and the event is likely to be a memorable and emotional tribute to his life and legacy.
