According to Loudwire, . The ceremony marks the end of an era for not just a city, but for generations of fans who grew up with his unmistakable voice, wild stage persona, and defiant presence in rock history.
His funeral will take place just over a week after the singer’s death and just 25 days removed from his final performance at the record-setting Back to the Beginning concert in the same town. That sentence alone feels surreal: how quickly a farewell show has become a literal goodbye.
Before the private funeral ceremony, the city will host a public procession in Ozzy’s honor—an open invitation to grieve, celebrate, and remember.
“It was important to the city that we support a fitting, dignified tribute ahead of a private family funeral,” said Lord Mayor Zafar Iqbal, speaking to The Guardian. “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 in giving him the farewell he deserves.”
That procession will pass through central Birmingham, specifically the area where the Black Sabbath bridge and commemorative bench stand. Over the past week, both have been transformed into makeshift shrines, as thousands of fans have left messages and flowers in tribute to the pioneering heavy metal singer.
Installed in 2019, the steel bench features etched silhouettes of the original Black Sabbath lineup — Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward — along its backrest, paying tribute to their lasting influence on music. Positioned near the city’s “Walk of Stars,” where the band had been honored before, the bench has become a favorite photo stop for fans. More than just a tribute to Black Sabbath, it also stands as a recognition of Birmingham’s role in shaping the heavy metal genre.
The Osbourne family has covered all related expenses, ensuring that fans and the community can honor Ozzy without placing any strain on public funds. The council also expressed gratitude to local businesses, residents, West Midlands Metro, and West Midlands Police for their support and cooperation throughout the preparations.
Accompanying the procession will be the local ensemble Bostin Brass, and according to The Guardian, surviving members of Black Sabbath are “thought to be taking roles” as well. It would be a quietly powerful bookend if the same band that launched heavy metal from the factories and fog of Birmingham walks alongside their friend one last time.
For those unable to attend in person, NME reports that fans will be able to watch the procession via an ongoing livestream of the Black Sabbath bench. The tribute begins at 1PM BST (8 AM EST).
There are few artists whose legacy is so closely tied to the place they came from. Ozzy Osbourne never forgot Birmingham; and now, the city makes sure it never forgets him.
