Ozzy Osbourne's family bids farewell to heavy metal pioneer in emotional funeral procession
The procession visited the Black Sabbath Bridge bench, as well as Villa Park, where Osbourne played his final performance.
Ozzy Osbourne’s friends and loved ones bid farewell to the Prince of Darkness in an emotional funeral procession in Birmingham, England, on Wednesday.
The musician’s cortège was livestreamed as it arrived on Broad Street, where the Black Sabbath Bridge bench monuments have transformed into public memorials for the late heavy metal pioneer following his death at 76 last week.
In the footage, hundreds of fans could be seen lining the street as a hearse with a purple floral cross arrangement pulled to a stop in front of the tribute.
The Black Sabbath frontman’s wife Sharon Osbourne, as well as their children Kelly Osbourne and Jack Osbourne, appeared visibly emotional as they exited a vehicle behind the hearse and left their own flowers alongside all the bouquets, balloons, photos, letters, and gifts left at the memorial.
The trio were soon accompanied by the rest of their family at the tribute, including Aimee Osbourne, Louis Osbourne, and Ozzy’s grandchildren.
Kelly and Jack physically supported their mother as they observed the monument for a moment before walking back to their car.
The procession also visited Villa Park, BBC News reports. The stadium was the location for the final Black Sabbath concert on July 5.
The star-studded send-off to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted band saw Osbourne reunite with his original Black Sabbath bandmates Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward, as well as perform songs from his own celebrated solo career. Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Anthrax, and more also performed at the event, covering several of Black Sabbath and Osbourne's greatest hits along the way.
At the event, Osbourne told the audience: "I just want to say to you on behalf of the guys in Black Sabbath and myself, your support over the years has made it all possible for us to live the lifestyle that we do. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you. We love you."
Osbourne’s family confirmed his death in a statement to Entertainment Weekly on July 22.
"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," they wrote. "We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time."
Osbourne was later laid to rest in a private ceremony on Wednesday, per BBC News. Metallica bassist Rob Trujillo, who was a member of Osbourne’s band for years, confirmed that the thrash metal band were among those in attendance at the ceremony in a poignant Instagram post paying tribute to his late bandmate on Wednesday.
“Ozzy and Black Sabbath were and still are the soundtrack to our lives,” he wrote in part. “The inspiration they gave us is beyond words. The first real alternative rock band, in my opinion. Now it’s time to pay our respects, share our love, and offer our support to Sharon and the family.”
Trujillo continued, “It’s heartbreaking but we know Ozzy gave us everything he had in his final days. I’m so honored that Lars, James, Kirk, and I (Metallica) got to celebrate with him, to share our music and Sabbath’s music on such a special day in Birmingham. Being part of that meant so much to us."
He concluded, "Ozzy, RIP brother. We love you.”
