Fans of Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne flocked to the streets of Birmingham in the United Kingdom to pay tribute to the late musician as part of a public procession ahead of his funeral service.

The heavy metal star died on July 22 at the age of 76, weeks after he played his final gig in front of a sold-out crowd in the English city.

Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath frontman, dies weeks after farewell gig

Described as one of the founders of heavy metal music, John Michael Osbourne was known for his incredible voice and charisma.

His hearse made its way down Birmingham’s Broad Street on Wednesday, and briefly stopped outside the Black Sabbath bench on the street’s canal bridge. The funeral cortege was accompanied by family members and a live brass band. 

He will then be laid to rest at a private funeral service.

Ozzy’s wife, Sharon Osbourne, was visibly shaken and stood beside their children, Jack and Kelly.

Two women and man dressed in black suits.

Ozzy Osbourne’s family Jack (left), Sharon (centre), and Kelly (right) at the funeral procession, in Birmingham, England. (AP: Jacob King/PA)

Thousands of fans have paid their respects to the musician who was instrumental in pioneering heavy metal, with many leaving heartfelt messages and floral tributes at the bridge.

“Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy, oi, oi, oi,” fans screamed as the hearse arrived.

“Ozzy was more than a music legend — he was a son of Birmingham,” Zafar Iqbal, the lord mayor of Birmingham said

“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. We’re proud to host it here with his loving family in the place where it all began.”

People stand by the side of the road dressed in Black Sabbath tshirts.

Fans gather near the Black Sabbath Bridge bench on Broad Street. (AP: Joe Giddens/PA)

Fans of the late heavy metal star shared their thoughts about his impact on music and Birmingham as a city.

“I think he really impacted everyone here, especially in Birmingham as well,” said fan Evie Mayo. 

“Now that he’s not here anymore, you can feel the impact of it. He inspired a lot of people and he was a great person.”

Broad Street is closed to through traffic and will only reopen after the funeral ends. Buses and trams have been diverted.

Large crows stands on the side of a road behind a security barracade.

Fans gather Broad Street ahead of the funeral procession for Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne following his death , in Birmingham, England, Wednesday July 30, 2025. (AP: Jacob King/PA)

Black Sabbath was formed in Birmingham in 1968 and saw huge commercial success in the 70s and 80s.

They went on to become one of the most successful metal bands of all time, selling more than 75 million albums worldwide.

The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. Osbourne was added for a second time last year as a solo artist.

Balloons, flowers, tributes placed next to face cut outs of Ozzy Osbourne on a cloudy day.

Floral tributes left in memory of Ozzy Osbourne at the Black Sabbath Bridge bench on Broad Street. (AP: Joe Giddens/PA)

How reality TV show The Osbournes reformatted Ozzy’s identity

What’s interesting about that later-in-life view of Ozzy was that it supplanted the idea of Ozzy the musician, at least for a younger generation.

Often referred to as the “Prince of Darkness” who once bit a bat while on stage, Ozzy gained notoriety for his outlandish stunts.

At Black Sabbath’s final show on July 5, Ozzy performed seated on a black throne in front of 42,000 fans.

He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, and had been in poor health recently.

Ozzy also starred in his own reality show The Osbournes alongside his wife Sharon and children Kelly and Jack.

AP/AFP