Ozzy Osbourne will be laid to rest today in his hometown of Birmingham. Fans of the rock legend have been lining the streets since early this morning to honour Ozzy. The Black Sabbath frontman, who played a farewell gig in the city earlier this month, died at the age of 76 last Tuesday.
The family of the War Pigs singer paused to look at the tributes left by the thousands of Sabbath fans who have laid flowers for the singer. Sharon and children Kelly and Jack were cheered by fans. An emotional Sharon received plenty of love from the fans lining the streets near Black Sabbath Bridge.
The cortege paused for the family to leave their vehicle and see the marks of respect left for Ozzy. Sharon was pictured crying and putting peace signs up to the crowd. The thousands of fans lining Broad Street have been chanting and cheering as Ozzy Osbourne’s cortege moves slowly past.
Sharon and Ozzy’s grandchildren laid flowers for their grandad as they added to the many tributes left by adoring fans. The hearse was led by six slow-moving bikes onto the main road, followed by the Bostin’ Brass band performing Iron Man, as chants of ‘Ozzy Ozzy Ozzy, oi oi oi!’ rung out from the crowd.
This month, the family issued a joint statement to confirm the Black Sabbath frontman’s death aged 76. It said: “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. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.”
Sharon and Ozzy were married for more than four decades. The couple celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary on July 4, 2025 — just weeks before Ozzy died on July 22.
The pair were first introduced in 1970 when Sharon’s dad Don Arden, worked for Ozzy’s band, Black Sabbath. The couple got serious when Sharon took over managing duties for the band. They got married in Hawaii in 1982 and went on to have three children together, Aimée, Kelly and Jack Osbourne.
Birmingham Lord Mayor Zafar Iqbal said the city where Ozzy grew up will give him the “farewell he deserves”. He said “Ozzy was more than a music legend – he was a son of Birmingham.
The Lord Mayor continued: “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.”