The city of Birmingham, United Kingdom, will pay a powerful and emotional tribute to one of its most legendary and beloved sons, Ozzy Osbourne, as a public farewell procession takes place on Wednesday, July 30. The iconic Black Sabbath frontman, who passed away on July 22, will be honored with a cortège procession through the heart of the city he proudly called home.
At 1 p.m., the hearse and accompanying vehicles carrying Ozzy‘s family will begin a slow, solemn journey down Broad Street, culminating at the Black Sabbath Bridge and commemorative bench — now transformed into a shrine by thousands of fans. Over the past week, mourners from around the world have gathered at this landmark, leaving flowers, heartfelt messages, memorabilia, and tributes in a shared outpouring of grief and respect.
As the procession makes its way through the city, local musicians from Bostin’ Brass will provide a moving live brass band performance, offering a final musical salute to the man who revolutionized heavy metal and helped shape its very foundation. The performance is expected to blend somber reflection with the kind of vibrant energy that defined Ozzy‘s life and legacy.
“Ozzy was more than a music legend — he was a son of Birmingham. 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,” said Zafar Iqbal, Birmingham’s lord mayor.
“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, and we are grateful that they have generously offered to pay to enable this to happen and support the city is giving him the farewell he deserves.”
In coordination with the Osbourne family, Birmingham City Council and its partners have moved swiftly to organize this public event, ensuring it will be both respectful and safe. The family has funded all associated costs, allowing the community and fans to honor Ozzy without burdening public resources. The council also extended thanks to local businesses, residents, West Midlands Metro, and West Midlands Police for their cooperation during preparations.
To accommodate the event, Broad Street will be closed to through traffic beginning at 7 a.m. on July 30. Bus and tram services will be diverted, and while local access will be managed where possible, it cannot be guaranteed. The road will reopen as soon as safely possible after the procession concludes. Stewards will be on site, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early, use public transport, and follow safety guidance.
For fans unable to attend in person, a livestream of the Black Sabbath Bench will remain active and accessible online, providing a virtual space for global viewers to be part of the tribute.
Unveiled in 2019, the steel bench features silhouettes of the original band members — Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward — etched into its backrest, celebrating their impact on music history. It sits near the “Walk of Stars,” where the band was previously honored, and serves as a popular photo spot for fans. The bench not only commemorates Black Sabbath‘s legacy but also acknowledges Birmingham’s role in the birth of heavy metal.
The city anticipates large crowds gathering to witness this once-in-a-lifetime tribute, as fans line the streets not only to say goodbye but to celebrate a man whose influence transcended generations and genres. For Birmingham, this is more than a memorial — it is a moment to honor a cultural icon who carried the soul of the city with him on every global stage he graced.
Enter your information below to get a daily update with all of our headlines and receive The Orchard Metal newsletter.
