Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral procession will pass through his hometown of Birmingham on Wednesday. The hearse will travel along Broad Street to Black Sabbath Bridge and the Black Sabbath bench at 1pm BST – locations that have seen thousands of tributes, flowers, and vigils since the metal legend’s death last week at age 76.
Birmingham’s Lord Mayor Zafar Iqbal said: “It was important for the city to support a dignified tribute before the private family funeral. We know how much this moment means to his fans.”
The Osbourne family has covered all costs for the event. Ozzy’s wife Sharon, children Kelly and Jack, and possibly other family members will follow the procession before the private funeral later that day, details of which remain private.
The local brass band Bostin Brass will provide music for the procession, with members of Black Sabbath and musician Yungblud expected to take part. Fans worldwide can watch the event via a live stream of the Black Sabbath bench.
Fans from across the globe, including Canadian superstar Drake—who was in Birmingham on tour—have traveled to pay their respects. Iqbal said he was moved by the outpouring of support, adding that Ozzy “put Birmingham on the map. He put Aston on the map.”
In June, Ozzy and Black Sabbath were awarded the Freedom of the City ahead of their final performance at the “Back to the Beginning” concert, which raised over £1 million for children’s charities and Parkinson’s research—a condition Ozzy was diagnosed with in 2003.
Ozzy passed away 17 days after that performance at his home in Buckinghamshire, echoing David Bowie’s death shortly after releasing his final album, Blackstar, in 2016.
Thousands are expected to attend the procession. Birmingham Council has advised mourners to arrive early, with roads closing from 7am. A book of condolences remains open at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, where the exhibition Ozzy Osbourne (1948-2025): Working Class Hero is still on display.
In 2011, Ozzy told The Times what he wanted for his funeral: “I don’t care about the music, but I want it to be a celebration, not a mope-fest.”
